Ex-UK teacher on trial over sexual relationship with teenager student

A former teacher in Southampton, England, has gone on trial accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student while working at Bitterne Park School.

Bronwen James, 30, who taught physical education at the school, faces four charges alleging that she used her position to engage in a sexual relationship with the student.

However, she has denied all the allegations, reports New York Post.

At Winchester Crown Court, prosecutor Edward Culver told jurors that James became close to the student while she was working at the school. Their relationship allegedly developed after James initially declined a friend request from the student on Snapchat but later accepted it, leading to regular messaging.

The prosecution alleged that the pair later met in the Weston Shore area and kissed inside a car. They subsequently became physically intimate while watching Wimbledon tennis on television, with the prosecution alleging that the relationship later became sexual.

Culver also told the court that James had expressed romantic feelings for the student and discussed travelling somewhere together.

Giving evidence, the student said the relationship initially seemed normal but later came to understand that James had allegedly influenced and emotionally controlled him. The student also alleged that James asked to be addressed as “Miss” during their private time.

The trial was temporarily halted on Wednesday after the jury was discharged. A new jury is expected to be sworn in before proceedings resume on Thursday.