Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Art teacher accused of sex offences against teen pupils
An ex-art teacher is accused of sexual offences against two pupils.
Robert Appleby, 42, of Stablegate Mews, Canterbury, was employed at Herne Bay High School when he sexually touched the teenage girls, it is claimed.
He is now facing seven charges of sexual activity with a child.
Six relate to a 15- year- old pupil, with the offences said to have happened over a six-month period in 2005, while a seventh involves a 17-year-old girl in 2010.
Appleby was also charged with a further count of making 16 indecent photographs of a child between 2010 and 2011.
He worked at the school from September 2002 until his arrest in February 2014.
Herne Bay High School confirmed that the case related to a former teacher at the school, but it was unable to comment further on the issue.
In a letter sent to parents, Herne Bay High principal Dr Claire Owen said the school acted immediately as soon as the allegations came to light.
She wrote: “It is with regret that I must inform you that Mr Appleby, a former employee of Herne Bay High School, has been charged with historic offences relating to inappropriate conduct.
“A police investigation has taken place and anyone identified during the investigation has been contacted.
Safeguarding
“Since the matter is presently proceeding through the legal process, we are unable to provide any further details other than to confirm that Mr Appleby is no longer employed by the school.
“Finally, I would like to reassure you that safeguarding will always be our number one priority, and that we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure our pupils’ safety, wellbeing and welfare.”
Appleby appeared at Margate magistrates’ court on Thursday and withheld his plea.
He was bailed and the case was sent to Canterbury crown court, where he is due to appear next month.