A former Bexleyheath Academy assistant vice-principal, who took the virginity of a 16-year-old pupil, has lost his appeal to clear his name.

Stuart Kerner, 45, of Russett Close, Aylesford, was handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, in January last year over the affair.

The Inner London Crown Court heard previously how Kerner had taken the teenager’s virginity on a yoga mat in an empty room at the school on February 28, 2012. 

The father-of-one was found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust on December 5, 2014. 

Kerner was also found guilty of sleeping with the girl at his home on October 3, 2012 but not guilty on four counts of the same charge, and of two further counts of sexual activity with a child.

At the two week trial Judge Joanna Greenberg chose not to jail Kerner as it had been the young victim who had "groomed" the teacher and "stalked" him, she stated.

The judge said: “The victim showed no compunction about telling significant lies when it suited her to do so and, when caught out, appeared to show some pride about having lied.”

Lord Thomas, sitting with Lady Justice Hallett and Lord Justice Treacy, collectively refused Kerner's appeal at the Court of Appeal yesterday (April 27) which he launched in March this year.

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