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Police have charged a teacher with sexual assault following allegations of an attack on a young girl.
Russell Brian Thompson, a teacher at Masterton Intermediate School, appeared in the town's district court yesterday, charged with two counts of performing an indecent act on a 12-year-old girl.
Paul Paino, representing Thompson in court today, did not seek name suppression and said his client "emphatically denies" the charges.
He said they relate to an accusation of kissing the pupil.
The 47-year-old did not seek name suppression and was granted bail to reappear on June 14.
Principal Fraser Mailman wrote to parents on Monday, saying the allegations have shocked and saddened his staff.
Mr Mailman said the school was handling the situation as best it could.
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA
