2 hrs ago
UK Teacher Denies Alleged Sexual Relationship With Student
A teacher in England is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student.
The teacher, Bronwen James, denies all the charges.
Prosecutors say the two began messaging after connecting on Snapchat.
They say the messages became flirtatious and that the pair met in person.
Prosecutors also described alleged kissing, touching, and sex.
The student said he first thought the relationship was good but later believed he had been groomed.
The prosecution says James asked him to call her “Miss” when they were alone.
The first jury was dismissed, so a new jury is expected to hear the case.
Bronwen James, 30, denies four charges involving alleged sexual activity with a 16-year-old student.
Prosecutors said James and the student exchanged flirtatious messages after connecting on Snapchat.
The prosecution alleged they met at Weston Shore, kissed in a car, and later had sex while watching Wimbledon tennis.
Prosecutors said James told the student to call her “Miss” privately and discussed moving away together.
The trial was adjourned after the jury was discharged, with a new jury expected to be sworn in Thursday.
- Who
- Bronwen James, a 30-year-old PE teacher, and a 16-year-old student; James denies the allegations.
- What
- James faces four charges relating to alleged sexual activity and an alleged sexual relationship with the student.
- Where
- Bitterne Park School in Southampton, England; prosecutors also referred to an alleged meeting at Weston Shore and proceedings at Winchester Crown Court.
- When
- The alleged incidents occurred while James was teaching at Bitterne Park School; the trial was adjourned after the jury was discharged on Wednesday, with a new jury expected Thursday.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege that James developed a sexually charged relationship with the student; the allegations are being examined in court.
Prosecution allegations
Defence position
Nature of the relationship
Prosecution allegations
Prosecutors described the relationship as sexually charged and alleged that James had sex with the student.
Defence position
James denies the charges and provided a prepared statement to the court.
Messages and meetings
Prosecution allegations
The prosecution said the pair exchanged flirtatious messages, met at Weston Shore, kissed in a car, and later had sex while watching Wimbledon tennis.
Defence position
The allegations remain contested because James has denied them.
Student’s understanding
Prosecution allegations
The student reportedly testified that he initially thought the relationship was good but later believed he had been groomed.
Defence position
No separate defence account of the student’s understanding was provided in the article.
Key facts
- Defendant
- Bronwen James, 30
- Student's age
- 16
- Charges
- Four charges relating to alleged sexual activity
- School
- Bitterne Park School
- Court
- Winchester Crown Court
- Prosecution allegations
- Flirtatious messages, kissing, touching, sex, and requests to use “Miss” privately
- Trial status
- The jury was discharged; a new jury is expected to be sworn in Thursday
Quotes
The prosecutors
Prosecutors presenting the allegations against Bronwen James in court
“They started to message each other. The messages became flirtatious. The two met up and went to Weston Shore. They kissed in the car.”
NDTV
Sources
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