A former maths teacher now living in Powys faces jail after admitting a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old pupil.

Julian Cawston, of Broad Heath, Presteigne, admitted six counts of abusing a position of trust and inciting or causing sexual activity with a girl while teaching at Sudbury Upper School, Suffolk.

Cawston appeared at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates Court on Tuesday when his case was sent to Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing.

Cawston, 43, pleaded guilty to the offences and has been placed on the sex offenders register.

The court heard the affair came to light after Cawston’s estranged wife discovered a mobile phone bill showing 200 text messages he had sent to the girl.

Suffolk County Council confirmed Cawston no lon- ger worked at the school as result of the offences betw- een May 8 and June 21 this year in the Sudbury area.

The court heard how Cawston had been preparing students in January for their mock exams.

Miss Rachel Mahony, prosecuting, said after the teaching sessions Cawston would take the teenager home, adding the lifts had been arranged with her parents’ agreement.

Miss Mahony said this led to the girl being taught at Cawston’s house after he had left the home he shared with his wife of one year.

She told the court how their relationship progressed and led to different sexual acts taking place in the teacher’s car and house.

She said the pair had full sexual intercourse on June 20 this year.

Mr Hugh Rowland, for Cawston, said the teacher had an exemplary record and was liked and respected by colleagues and students.

He said: “There is no suggestion of grooming. The relationship developed slowly over a period of time and was entirely consensual.

“Neither of them felt or knew they were doing anything wrong.”

Suffolk County Council said it would refer the case to the Department for Children, Schools and Families to decide if Cawston should be barred from working with children and young people.

By Tamlyn Jones