Text Messages

Teacher jailed

A MUSIC teacher who sent text messages to a teenage pupil saying he wanted to grope her breasts has been jailed for 12 months.

David Howell, 34, told the girl: "For some reason you make me feel v horny" and "You really turned me on yesterday."

He had previously spent two years working at Warren School, in Whalebone Lane North, Chadwell Heath.

Howell said he innocently texted her about work and someone else must have used his phone to send the messages.

But he was convicted by the jury of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The teacher mouthed 'I love you' to his wife Claire as he was led away.

Howell started the inappropriate relationship in May 2005.

He sent emails about schoolwork but Howell gave the girl his mobile number.

She texted him and he sent the inappropriate messages back.

Most ended with an 'x' for a kiss.