A TEACHER accused of indecency with a pupil walked free from court yesterday after charges against him were dismissed.

But Philip Evans was told by a judge that some of his behaviour was inappropriate.

Mr Evans remains suspended pending disciplinary proceedings by governors at the secondary school where he is an assistant year leader and religious education teacher.

Mr Evans, 34, denied indecent assault, indecency with a child, and two counts of abducting a 14-year-old boy.

Durham Crown Court heard Mr Evans took the boy on outings, bought him gifts and sent, or attempted to send him more than 600 mobile phone text messages in less than five months.

When he was arrested, Mr Evans, of St Cuthbert Avenue, Chester-le-Street, said he was trying to help the boy, described as "a difficult pupil", and denied all allegations.

Following submissions by defence barrister Peter Schofield, on the fourth day of the trial yesterday, Judge Maurice Carr directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts.

The judge described the boy as being disturbed and said he had previously made false allegations against other teachers.

He said: "He might be telling the truth. He's obviously an intelligent young man who knows what he's up to.

"But I'm not satisfied that you, members of the jury, have enough evidence so you are sure he's telling the truth."

Judge Carr told Mr Evans that sending text messages to the boy on repeated occasions was inappropriate behaviour.

Following the case, Mr Evans said: "I'm still suspended and, at this time, I really don't know if I'm going to continue teaching. I can't think clearly at the moment."