A TEACHER has appeared at court charged with engaging in sexual activity with a school girl.

Andrew Welsh, aged 35, was arrested after he was allegedly found in the girl’s bedroom on Friday, July 19.

He appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court on Friday charged with six counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 16 while being in a position of trust. The crimes are alleged to have taken place between May 21 and July 19 last year.

Welsh, of Highbank in Atherton, was a maths teacher at a Bolton high school. He was suspended from the post at the school when the police proceedings started.

Welsh, who wore a navy suit with a shirt and tie to court, spoke to confirm his name and address to District Judge Jonathan Finestein.

Peter Hayes, defending Welsh, indicated he would not enter any pleas at magistrates.

Welsh also confirmed to District Judge Finestein that he had surrendered his passport. He said: “I surrendered my passport six months ago it’s been very difficult for me.”

District Judge Finestein reminded Welsh of his bail conditions. He was ordered not to contact witnesses, to surrender his passport, live at his home address, not be left unattended with girls under aged 16 without the presence of another adult and to attend Bolton Police Station on a Monday and Friday between 6pm and 9pm.

The case was referred to Bolton Crown Court. He will appear for a preliminary hearing on Friday, February 28.