Northern Ireland: 1 Sep 2024: A female teacher in Northern Ireland has been charged with sexually abusing a schoolboy. Judith Evans, who has been suspended from her role at Belfast Boys' Model School, will face trial for alleged sexual offences against a male student, according to The Belfast Telegraph.

Evans, 33, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday to plead not guilty to 11 charges. These charges include engaging in sexual activity with a minor, possessing an indecent photograph of a student, sexual communication with a minor, and perverting the course of justice, among others.

Evans had sought to remain unidentified due to concerns about her mental health, the risk of revealing the student's identity, potential prejudice to the justice process, and her own criminal complaint. However, the judge rejected this request, emphasizing the importance of open justice.

The allegations against Evans involve a four-month period during which she is accused of communicating with a student for sexual gratification. The charges include two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of engaging in sexual touching involving penetration with a child. She also faces charges of causing a child to view indecent images and possessing such images of the pupil.

Additionally, Evans is charged with perverting the course of justice by allegedly making a false claim of sexual assault against the boy.

Evans pleaded 'not guilty' to all charges. Judge Patricia Smyth has scheduled her trial for November 4, and Evans has been released on continuing bail.