A teacher from Gravesend who admitted having sex with a pupil has been jailed for over three years after being caught on CCTV buying her drinks.

Kevin Rich, 28, was teaching at a Dartford School when he befriended a student and they started exchanging messages over social media sites.

On one occasion in June last year the pair met and had sex.

CCTV evidence showed Rich and the student at a pub where he bought her alcohol before they spent the evening playing darts.

The offences came to light when a friend of the girl alerted her mother to the relationship. 

Rich, of West Street, was interviewed under caution initially, but denied any involvement with the student, claiming she had a crush on him.

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Kevin Rich admitted three counts of abusing a position of trust.

With further evidence Rich was arrested but refused to answer questions.

He was charged on February 10 and pleaded guilty to three counts of abusing a position of trust/ sexual activity with a child (penetration) before Maidstone Crown Court on May 15.

On Thursday (June 25) he appeared at court again and was sentenced to 3-years and 4-months in prison.

Rich has been ordered not to contact the victim and must also sign onto the sex offenders register indefinitely.

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Maidstone Crown Court.

The officer in charge of the case, DC Fleur Hardie, has praised the victim for her bravery.

DC Hardie said: "Rich preyed on a young girl who had been entrusted into his care. He completely abused the position he was privileged to be in for his own self-gratification.

"His victim and other witnesses have been brave in coming forward and helping us to secure this conviction.

"I hope the sentence will give the victim a sense of closure and allow her to move on with her life."