A SCHOOL teacher has been hauled before a judge following accusations of sexually assaulting a child under 13-years-old.

Craig Keane, 28, who teaches at Sandon School in Molrams Lane, Chelmsford, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ court on Friday (January 27).

The design and technology teacher, also a Metropolitan Special Constable, has been suspended from both duties after facing nine charges of sexual assault against one child.

The charges do not involve a child at the school.

Jo Wincott, Sandon School headteacher, said: “We can confirm that Mr Keane was suspended in October 2016, immediately after Mr Keane’s arrest.

“Mr Keane has not subsequently attended school.

“The school has worked with the Metropolitan Police throughout their investigations and will continue to do so.

“We take safeguarding extremely seriously and have appropriate and robust policies and procedures in place.”

He added it would “not be appropriate” to comment further.

Keane was bailed to attend Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 20 February while an investigation is being led by the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

In a letter sent to parents and seen by the Weekly News, Mr Wincott wrote: “We have been informed by the Metropolitan Police that one of our teachers, Mr Craig Keane, has been formally charged with offences that fall under the area of child protection/safeguarding.

"I wanted to write to you personally and ensure that you found out this news directly rather than via the press or social media.”

Metropolitan Special Constables carry out voluntary and unpaid work.

Keane also worked at Billericay's Mayflower School until 2013. 

Lee Brumby, headteacher of the Stock Road school, was quick to distance the high school from Keane.

In a statement, he wrote: "The safety and wellbeing of pupils is of paramount importance to us and we take our safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. 

"Mr Keane has not worked at the school since December 2013 and the allegations against him are not linked to his time at the school.

Given there are on-going legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment any further."