PE teacher Stephen Benson faces sex charges trial

A PE teacher is to stand trial accused of 30 sex attacks against girls.

Stephen Benson, 50, who taught at Copleston High School, Ipswich, and coached at Ipswich Harriers athletics club, appeared at the town's Crown Court today.

He denied 12 counts of rape, 14 indecent assaults, two counts of sexual activity with a child and two sexual assaults.

The charges relate to three alleged victims over a 20-year period. Some of the alleged incidents involved girls under the age of 18.

Benson will stand trial on February 25 and was released on bail on the conditions that he did not contact any of the alleged victims or contact anyone under the age of 18 except family members.

He has been suspended from both positions.

PA