THE jury in the trial of a teacher accused of indecently assaulting a teenage pupil is expected to retire today to consider its verdict.

Michael Pendlington is accused of touching the girl pupil during lunch breaks at the school where he taught.

Mr Pendlington, 51, of Miller Crescent, Hartlepool, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of indecent assault.

Yesterday the jury at Teesside Crown Court heard from David Collins, who spent time with Mr Pendlington as a student teacher.

He said Mr Pendlington, a teacher for 28 years, always behaved in a professional and proper way with the girl.

Mr Collins said he never saw Mr Pendlington alone with a pupil. He said: "It is not a thing that any teacher usually does, because you always run the risk of allegations being made."

Friends and colleagues of Mr Pendlington, the head of the geography department where he worked, had written references in support of him. In one letter, by John Green, Mr Pendlington was described as a most conscientious teacher.

Friend and colleague Ken Ross said Mr Pendlington, who organised basketball events in the area, had been caring and sympathetic to pupils.

Colleague James Callaghan wrote: "He works very hard in ensuring his department functions well and he ensures that each child in his charge is given every encouragement to develop to the full."

Mr Pendlington has denied being alone with the girl. He was suspended following her allegation in March last year.

The case continues.