North Shore teacher faces sex offence charges

A 42-year-old schoolteacher appeared in North Shore District Court today on sex offences against a teenage girl pupil.

The man, who has interim name suppression, is accused of three charges of indecently assaulting the girl in 2001 and 2002 when she was aged 14-15.

He has been suspended from the school, which also has name suppression, since his arrest on May 7.

He was released on bail to reappear on July 15.

His bail conditions include that he should not contact any students, former or current, except for work purposes, on terms approved in writing by the school principal.

He should also not associate with girls under the age of 16.

Police opposed name suppression on the ground further complainants may come forward if his identity was published, and there was legitimate public interest in publication.

Judge Laurie Hinton said the accused had suffered seriously as a result of the allegations.

"It is likely there would be serious and lasting damage to your professional reputation as a result of publication," he said.

- NZPA