A SCHOOL teacher was remanded in custody by Halton Magistrates this week accused of 16 sex offences against teenagers.

Robert Prosser, 46, a bachelor, of The Holloway, Runcorn, faces nine charges of indecent assault, four charges of gross indecency and three other serious sex offences.

The alleged offences took place in Runcorn and Widnes.

Prosser first appeared at Runcorn Magistrates court on August 5 to face 11 charges - seven indecent assaults, two charges of gross indecency and two other serious sex offences. He was remanded in custody for two days to the police cells.

Prosser faced a further charge of gross indecency when he appeared in court on August 7.

This week, he was charged with four further offences. These latest charges include a serious sex offence, indecent assault and gross indecency.

Mr Harvey Blenkin, prosecuting, asked magistrates to make a section 39 order under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 to prevent any children under 16 being identified.

An order under the Sexual (Offences) Amendment Act 1992 was also made preventing the names of any victims over 16 from being disclosed.

Prosser, wearing an open neck shirt and a tweed jacket, was not legally represented during Friday's hearing. He was remanded in custody for 28 days. Mr Blenkin told magistrates the case is to be transferred to Warrington Crown Court.

No bail application was made. Reporting restrictions were not lifted.

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