A performing arts teacher has appeared in court accused of committing ‘a huge amount’ of sexual offences against girls.
Philip Hawkins, 47, denies eleven offences against pupils, including seven counts of sexual activity with girls aged between 13 and 17 by abusing his adult position of trust.
The incidents allegedly happened between February 2008 and July 2010 in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
They include intentionally causing girls to engage in sexual activity, sexually touching some and causing a child to look at an image of a person engaging in sexual activity.
The bespectacled defendant, who appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court wearing smart grey trousers and a shirt, denied the charges and the matter was sent to crown court.
Prosecutor Sarah Daws said: ‘During the course of his position looking after and teaching people under 18, there have been allegations involving these sexual matters and a significant amount of complainants spanning over a long period of time.
‘He was a teacher and therefore in a position of trust.
Philip Hawkins, 47, seen leaving Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court, denies eleven offences. These include seven counts of sexual activity with girls aged between 13 and 17 by abusing his adult position of trust
‘There are a huge amount of allegations here.’
Hawkins is said to have sexually touched several girls in the period between July 29, 2008, and July 31, 2010.
He is also accused of abusing his position of trust by intentionally causing a child to look at an image of an individual engaging in a sexual activity.
The other historic charges he faces include intentionally causing or inciting a girl to engage in a sexual activity between 28 February 2008 and 31 July 2010.
He has been accused of the same charge involving another child on two unspecified occasions between September 1, 2009, and January 25, 2010.
Lucy Brakewell, representing Hawkins during the hearing last week, said: ‘There are clearly going to be abuse of trust arguments.
‘There are clearly going to be abuse of process arguments. It is indeed complex.’
The performing arts teacher is said to have committed the offences the ‘huge amount’ in Lowestoft, Suffolk
The magistrates said the severity of the allegations meant they were unable to deal with the case.
Hawkins, who now lives in Essex, was told to attend Ipswich Crown Court for a case management on April 8.
He was granted unconditional bail.