A Winchester teacher is facing jail after admitting three sexual offences involving a 15-year-old girl.

Peter Brown (35) pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Monday to two charges of indecent assault. He also admitted one count of abusing a position of trust by engaging in a sexual activity with a girl under 16.

Brown, was suspended as head of art at Henry Beaufort School in Harestock, Winchester, after his arrest in December, 2002. He has since resigned from this post.

The court heard that the offences took place between June 1st, 2001 and August 31st, 2002. The victim cannot be named for legal reasons.

Brown, from Longparish, near Andover, also faced two other charges. One related to common assault on the same girl and the other to the indecent assault of another girl.

Andy Houston, prosecuting, said he was prepared for the common assault charge to lie on file. He was also prepared to accept a not guilty plea on the other outstanding charge.

Brown, who previously taught at Cantell School Southampton, was given bail until May 21st, when he is due to be sentenced.

Judge Richard Pryor QC told Brown: "I must advise you that the court will almost certainly impose a custodial sentence." He also told Brown he would be placed on the sex offenders' register, for a period as yet undecided.

Headteacher, Jonathan De Sausmarez, said: "As soon as a formal complaint was made to the school, we fully co-operated with the police and social services in all that we were required to do. Mr Brown was suspended immediately until the outcome of this case and we have now received his resignation."