Former PE teacher Bronwen James denies having sex with a 16-year-old pupil at her home while they watched Wimbledon, as her trial continues at Winchester Crown Court.
James, 30, from Chippenham, Wiltshire, is accused of four counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust. The alleged offences relate to a boy she taught at Bitterne Park School in Southampton.
The prosecution alleges that James exchanged messages with the pupil on Snapchat before meeting him privately. It is claimed the pair had sexual contact on three or four occasions, including at her home while tennis was being shown on television.
The court heard that the teenager’s number was allegedly saved in James’s phone under the name “Number 8”. Prosecutors also said the pair discussed their relationship and the possibility of living together.
James denies having a sexual relationship with the pupil and has rejected the allegations that he visited her home. Her defence has suggested that the claims were made after the boy was influenced by another student.
The boy initially denied the relationship when questioned by school and safeguarding staff. He later told the court that he had lied because he wanted to protect James and that the relationship was still continuing at the time.
The trial follows an earlier case in which James pleaded guilty to one charge of engaging in sexual communication with a child. She denied 11 other charges involving two girls and a boy.
Wiltshire Police said James had previously taught at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham as well as Bitterne Park School. The current trial is continuing.
