Music Teacher on Trial for Sexual Touching of Under-Aged Girl

A music teacher accused of kissing an under-aged girl after the pair exchanged "flirty" emails has gone on trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard that married Gareth Parry, 38, embarked on an illegal fling after the youngster blew him a kiss. Parry has denied six charges of sexual touching.

The trial heard claims from the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, that she and Parry would email up to seven times a day and also chat via FaceTime. She alleged that he performed sexual acts on her in his car and during walks. Afterward, she is said to have written a note in her phone saying she felt "Disgusted. Hurt. Sick."

The alleged victim is expected to give evidence from behind a screen on the second day of the five-day trial. Her testimony was delayed after a frustrating first day plagued by IT problems. A 2015 police interview with her, filmed months after the alleged incidents, struggled to play during proceedings.

However, in the interview, the alleged victim claimed she was the one who began flirting. "He was just funny - his personality was just amazing," she told Cleveland Police. Asked why she was attracted to him, she added: "His personality and maturity, intelligence, wit and height."

She claimed the pair had banter while admitting she feared his wife finding out. However, she alleged that banter soon turned intimate, giving a detailed account of what she claimed was their first kiss.

The Crown argues that Parry seriously exploited the young girl. But the defendant, of Stonebridge Crescent, in Ingleby Barwick, insists the events simply didn't happen.

The trial continues.