A TEACHING assistant has appeared in court accused of having a sex with a boy 42 years her junior.

Elaine McKay, 57, of Banister Close, Clacton, was charged with three sexual offences when she appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday). 

The charges relate to a boy aged 15.

The court heard McKay was his learning support assisant and she has been suspended from her job following the charges.

The name of school where she was working was not given in court.

The teenager cannot be identified because he is the alleged victim of a sexual offence.

The alleged offences took place in Clacton between June 1 last year and May 13 this year.

The charges read: 

  • Having sex with a boy aged 15, not reasonably believing he was 16 or over.
  • Causing or inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, not reasonably believing he was aged 16 or over.
  • For the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity, not reasonably believing he was aged 16 or over.

McKay only spoke to confirm her name and address and was not asked to enter a plea.

Due to the seriousness of the charges, magistrates sent the case to Chelmsford Crown Court.
 

McKay was bailed until her next court appearance on January 13, on the condition she does not contact the victim.