A WHITCHURCH teacher who was accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl has been cleared.

A jury found Keith Wright, who taught science at Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch, not guilty of five counts of indecent assault.

The incidents were alleged to have happened during a period of two months more than a decade ago.

A jury at Salisbury Crown Court found Mr Wright not guilty of the charges last Friday after a five-day trial.

The court had heard Mr Wright, of Bell Street, admit to having one sexual encounter with the teenager after she turned 16.

The 48-year-old denied the indecent assaults.

During the course of the trial, the jury heard from two people who praised Mr Wright’s character – former Testbourne pupil Andrew Morris and teaching colleague Joanna Kent.

Mrs Kent, who taught science with Mr Wright at Testbourne, said: “He was always very professional and had a good working relationship with all members of staff and pupils.

“He was fair and had good discipline and worked with a set of rules he adhered to.”