A former Canterbury teacher has been accused of abusing a position of trust to have sexual activity with a schoolgirl.

Former Barton Court Grammar School physics teacher Anthony Carlile, 27, is charged under the 2003 Sexual Offences Act.

He was due to appear at Canterbury Magistrates' Court yesterday, but failed to appear.

Carlile's solicitor told the court he was in hospital with mental health problems.

Carlile, whose address was given as a block of flats in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, has failed to appear before city magistrates on a number of other occasions in relation to the alleged offence.

Magistrates adjourned the case, but chairman of the bench Judith Fox said: "At some point we are going to have to make progress.

"This gentleman must come to court to face the charge."

Carlile has not yet entered a plea to the charge he faces, shown on the court list as "adult abuse of position of trust - sexual activity with a girl".

Debbie Pizzey, representing Carlile, said: "This morning we were faxed a letter from his psychiatrist that he is in hospital having some treatment."

Prosecutor Julie Farbrace told the court the alleged offence happened last May.

"We have an alleged victim and the interests of justice should work for her as much as they would work for Mr Carlile," Miss Farbrace said.

The case was adjourned until June 30 and Carlile is on unconditional bail.