A TEACHING assistant accused of having a sex with a pupil she met at school may face a fresh trial.

Lisa Richardson had denied six counts of sexual assault dating back over a decade ago.

But her trial at Teesside Crown Court was halted on its second day and the jury discharged after discussions between counsel and the judge.

The 47-year-old, of Tyrone Road, Stockton, was said to have developed sexual feelings for the boy, described as vulnerable, which began when she took him into a room at his school where she would cuddle and kiss him.

It was claimed she would commit sex acts on him and the pair regularly had sex at his home.

However the defendant denied the prosecution claims and said nothing sexual had happened.

Further legal discussions are now expected to take place in a bid to bring about an outcome with the case.