Schoolteacher cleared in sex case

Mr Riley is suspended from his post at Baines High School

A Lancashire schoolteacher has been cleared of having sex with a 17-year-old student.

Andrew Riley, 36, of Wentworth Drive, Lancaster, had denied two counts of abuse of trust by having sexual activity with a person under 18.

Mr Riley had admitted he twice stayed at hotels with the girl during domestic problems with his wife.

He was also cleared of a charge of offering to supply cocaine to the girl by the jury at Preston Crown Court.

The married father-of-two is suspended from his post as former head of sixth form at Baines High School in Poulton.

During the two-week trial, the jury heard he and the girl spent many nights swapping explicit internet messages.

After the student went away to study at university, the relationship "cooled" and she eventually confronted her old school with the email messages.

Mr Riley denied arranging to get cocaine for the girl, and told the jury the messages were all bravado to impress the youngster.

'Tremendous strain'

Speaking outside the court Mr Riley said the trial had been "a nightmare".

"I am relieved that the trial is now over. This whole ordeal has been a nightmare for me.

"My wife and family have been under tremendous strain and I would now like to be given the opportunity to rebuild my life."

David Jesson, chair of governors at Baines School, said: "Mr Riley was employed following the usual checks that apply to all teaching staff.

"He is currently suspended from his position as head of sixth form at Baines School."

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said it was a matter for the school, with advice and support from the local authority, to consider the appropriate action to take with regard to Mr Riley's employment.