A SCHOOLGIRL who accused a teacher of fondling her bottom and making lewd remarks feared being labelled a "grass", a court heard.

The 15-year-old pupil was said to have been extremely upset and crying after her alleged ordeal at the hands of drama teacher Joseph Kerr.

Mr Kerr, 44, of Abbey Road, Darlington, has denied two counts of sexual activity with a child on November 15 and 16, 2004, and is on trial at Teesside Crown Court.

He is alleged to have commented on her body and described what he would do to her "over a desk" if she was old enough.

Yesterday, jurors were told how the teenager had complained to another teacher at the school, in Darlington, about Mr Kerr, who she referred to as Joe.

She said she did not want to grass on him, but he had done "awful things" to her which she believed were her fault.

The complainant, who is now 17, had asked for extra help with her dance lessons and was being tutored by Mr Kerr when the incidents at the school allegedly occurred.

The trial has heard that the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, harboured hopes of becoming a professional dancer and was a "very keen and enthusiastic" student.

Following the complaint, Mr Kerr, who has previously worked for the Prison Service and the charity, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, was suspended from the school.

He was then arrested and cautioned by police on suspicion of sexual assault.

Police later obtained items of clothing the teenager had been wearing during the alleged incidents.

Mr Kerr is expected to take the stand later this week and give evidence in his own defence.

He is being tried for a second time after the case against him in November last year was halted for legal reasons before the jury had retired to reach a verdict.

The trial continues.