A TEACHER has appeared in court charged with engaging in sexual activity with a schoolgirl.
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 today 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, Atherton, was a maths teacher at a Bolton high school.
He was suspended from the post at the school when the criminal 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 court.
Welsh also confirmed to District Judge Finestein that Welsh 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. Welsh will appear for a preliminary hearing on Friday, February 28.
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