Skipton teacher ‘had affair with pupil of 17’

Physics master Gareth Aspey, 29, taught the alleged victim at Skipton Girls’ High School when they formed an inappropriate relationship, magistrates heard.

Bespectacled Aspey, of Alkincoats Road, Colne, Lancs, is accused of three counts of sexual activity with a girl, being an adult in a position of trust between 19 December 2012 and 31 July 2013.

Skipton Magistrates’ Court was told Aspey started his employment at the 811 pupil high school in September 2008.

Pupils are aged between 11 and 18 and the complainant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was 17 at the time of the allegations.

The maximum sentence is five years imprisonment.

Aspey - who has resigned from SGHS - asked to be dealt with at Bradford Crown Court, where he appear on March 7. He indicated that he will plead guilty to the offences .

He was granted bail on the condition that he does not communicate with the complainant, he must not communicate with pupils or former pupils of Skipton Girls’ High School who are under 18 years old, nor must he attend the school or have unsupervised contact with any female under 18.