Sexual relationship with 16-year-old student, sexually abused three times in car: Trial begins against teacher

LONDON: The trial of a teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student has begun in the UK. Bronwen James, 30, from Chippenham in Wiltshire, is facing four charges over allegations involving a boy at Bitterne Park School in Southampton, where she worked as a PE teacher.

Bronwen has denied all the allegations against her. She told the court that the student had made the sexual allegations after being influenced by another student.

However, prosecutor Edward Culver told the court that Bronwen had used her position as a teacher to develop a relationship with the student. According to the prosecution, the two began chatting regularly before their relationship became sexual. The prosecutor alleged that Bronwen picked up the student in her car and took him to Weston Shore in Southampton, where she had sex with him.

The two allegedly had sexual contact three or four times. The prosecutor also told the court that they had discussed their relationship becoming romantic and even talked about living together. Bronwen had reportedly saved the teenager’s phone number under the name “Number 8”, the court was told.

Wiltshire Police said Bronwen had previously taught at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School. She appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court last year and was released on conditional bail. Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is an offence for a person in a position of trust, such as a teacher, to engage in sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old student under their care, even if the student consents. The trial is expected to last seven days.