A former teacher has appeared in court and admitted sexual activity with a child when in a position of trust.

Canterbury Crown Court heard Anthony Carlile, 28, was teaching at the teenage girl’s school in Canterbury when he kissed her and touched her leg in 2009.

Since his arrest Carlile failed to appear at several court hearings when it was said he had health problems but he entered his guilty plea at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday.

Matters were adjourned for a pre-sentence report after Judge James O’Mahony indicated to Carlile of Ock Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, there would not be immediate custody.

He was banned from working with children for the next five years but his lawyer, Philip Rowley, said Carlile was no longer teaching but working in IT.

Judge O’Mahony said it was a serious breach of trust but he knew Carlile had suffered a great deal and had read a psychiatric report on him.

He said it was important the child concerned no longer had the anxiety of having to give evidence hanging over her head.

Carlile was bailed to return for sentence the first week of June.