A TEACHER has been banned from teaching for life after a disciplinary panel heard he had a sexual relationship with a pupil.

The National College of Teaching and Leadership panel (NCTL) believed allegations made by two of Keith John Wright's former pupils from Testbourne Community School, despite him being cleared of offences by Salisbury Crown Court in April 2014, following a five day trial.

The 50-year-old, who denied the allegations, failed to attend the National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) hearing held last month, where he was accused of kissing, touching, having oral sex and attempting to have sexual intercourse with one of his pupils.

He was also alleged to have met her alone outside of school, exchanged texts with her, shown her pornographic material on his laptop and driven her to a pub where he bought her an alcoholic drink.

Mr Wright began teaching at Testbourne in September 2000, and his relationship with the pupil was alleged to have happened within his first year at the school.

However, she did not report the matter to police until March 2013 - 13 years after it was alleged to have taken place.

Mr Wright was charged with five counts of indecent assault, but was acquitted following the trial.

But the NCTL panel found the allegations proved after hearing evidence from his victim.

The girl, identified as Pupil A, said she was attracted to Mr Wright and told him she had a "soft spot" for him, to which she said his response was: "I feel like I have found the woman of my dreams but she is too young".

She told the panel that Mr Wright would drive her to the Whitchurch Silk Mill car park, before driving to a more secluded place where they engaged in sexual activity.

She also claimed he took her back to his home, where they went to his bedroom.

A second pupil, identified as Pupil B, gave evidence stating that she had accompanied Pupil A and Mr Wright to a pub, where he bought them alcoholic drinks.

Mr Wright wrote in Pupil A's yearbook: "It's been a pleasure to teach such a charming young lady over the past year.

"Remember don't postpone anything that will add laughter, fun and happiness to your love, believe in love at first sight and close your eyes when you kiss - its (sic) rude to stare.

"All the best, love Keith xxx."

Evidence considered by the panel from the crown court trial included a statement from Mr Wright in which he told the court he knew his pupil had feelings for him but told her nothing could happen.

However, he admitted that he had started a sexual relationship with her after she had left school in June or July.

But the panel did not accept this, and said: "It was clear that Mr Wright himself gave evidence about a sexual relationship with Pupil A.

"Furthermore, whilst he suggested that this took place after Pupil A had left school, the panel found that she remained a pupil at the school."