A TEACHER charged with possessing indecent photographs of children has been ordered to stay away from the school where he works.

Martin Andre Pauc, 56, appeared before Houghton-le-Spring magistrates yesterday accused of ten offences, alleged to have taken place between July 1 and October 30 last year.

The Wearside teacher is suspended by his Sunderland school, which cannot be named for legal reasons, and magistrates imposed a bail condition banning him from approaching staff or pupils there.

Mr Pauc, of Elliott Close, Penshaw, near Houghton-le-Spring, faces two charges of making indecent photographs under the Protection of Children Act. He is also charged with eight counts of possessing indecent photographs on computer equipment under the Criminal Justice Act.

Mr Pauc made no plea and after magistrates declined jurisdiction in the case, he was bailed to reappear at Houghton-le-Spring for committal proceedings on April 19.

Magistrates imposed a further condition that he lived at his home in Elliott Close.

None of the alleged offences involve pupils at Mr Pauc's school.