A TEACHING assistant who had a sexual relationship with a teenage pupil has been handed a suspended sentence.

Charlotte Parker, of Raven Lane, Billericay, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity and two of making indecent images or videos of a child at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, October 13.

Married Parker, 31, a teaching assistant at Hylands Academy, Chelmsford, wore a black suit, clutched a tissue and fought back tears as she pleaded guilty to the charges.

Judge John Lodge, when sentencing, said: “This is a case of gross child abuse.

“It makes no difference that the victim was a boy or that he may have felt he was in a relationship with you.

“These offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence is justified.

“The only thing that makes the sentence not one of immediate custody is that you clearly have a psychiatric history and one that affected you before this matter arose.”

The boy was aged between 15 and 16 when the offences happened.

Whatsapp messages refer to the pair kissing, Parker encouraging the victim to perform a sex act and her performing oral sex on the boy.

In mitigation Dale Beeson said: “Mrs Parker is a person with a troubled background of at least ten years.

“She has psychiatric difficulties and long term depressive disorders.

“She is fully and absolutely remorseful and she has not sought to negate her responsibility.”

Parker was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years.

She will be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and be required to undertake mental health treatment by the probation service for 12 months.

A spokesperson from Hylands Academy said: “The safety of our pupils is our priority and we take safeguarding very seriously.

“This is an isolated incident which has been dealt with according to all correct procedures.

“As soon as the incident came to light, the Academy acted to ensure the ex-member of staff had no contact with pupils and was not allowed onto school premises.

“The police were informed and full cooperation given to ensure full resolution.”

Parker also pleaded not guilty to two charges of attempted sexual intercourse with the victim, Judge Lodge ordered the charges to lie on file.