A teacher who had a lesbian relationship with a teenage pupil in Colchester has been detained under the mental health act.
Suzanne Harrison, 38, a former director at Suffolk One, admitted four sex offences while in a position of trust against the 15-year-old girl over a seven-month period at an earlier hearing at Ipswich Crown Court.
The offences were committed while she was working at a former school in Colchester.
Prosecutor Godfried Duah told the court that Harrison had swapped telephone numbers with the girl at her 15th birthday party.
He added: "Their friendship developed very quickly after this and sometimes Miss Harrison would take the victim home from school. Miss Harrison was very often at the victim's home address and sometimes would have meals and barbecues with her family."
On one occasion, the victim's sister discovered Harrison in the family home after she fell asleep after a sexual encounter. Harrison insisted this was the first time they had sexual contact but on two further occasions she touched the girl inappropriately.
Mr Duah said: "This was a very vulnerable victim who relied on her teacher's support as a friend." He added that even when the girl went to university, she was subjected to "emotional abuse" by Harrison.
Detaining Harrison until further order, Judge Peter Thompson said his ruling followed a "very thorough" assessment of her psychiatric condition.
Harrison, of Wacker Field Road, Rendlesham, also previously taught at Otley College, Suffolk, before joining Suffolk One, which has hundreds of students aged 16 to 19.
A Suffolk One spokesman said: "We can state that the charges like the ones being faced are indefensible. We have fully co-operated with police throughout this investigation and will continue to do so. We would like to reassure parents and guardians that our students' safety, security and welfare is our utmost priority.''
M25: Driver Dies In M25 Lorry Crash
A man has died after the lorry he was driving crashed into another one and then caught fire between J27 and 238.
Stanford-Le-Hope: Honeymoon Fund Stolen
A couple from Stanford-Le-Hope have been left devastated after their wedding plans and honeymoon fund were stolen.
Essex: Drivers Warned About Scam
Drivers in Essex are being warned about a scam where motorists are being flagged down in a bid to trick them out of cash.
Harwich: Couple Burgled At Gunpoint
A man has been hit over the head with a gun, while a woman has been threatened during a burglary in Harwich.
Whitney Houston How Will I Know?
Madonna True Blue
Michael Buble Haven't Met You Yet
Weather
Find out more about today's weather in your area plus the five day forecast.
Traffic and Travel
Want to avoid queues? Use our links to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Wedding Directory
Browse Heart's Essex Wedding Directory to view loads of experts who can help plan your special day.
As Advertised
Here's your chance to find out more about some of the companies currently advertising on Heart 96.1
The singing fishmonger
A fish vendor in east London who sings to reel in the customers has become a YouTube sensation.
Watch the cat that loves to be hoovered!
Is this the world's cleanest cat?
Selma & Kenny Wedding Toast
With 72 years of marriage behind them, this couple could teach us all a thing or two about love....
Is this the world's coolest dad?
Watch this adorable video of a father who sings with his children every morning on the school run.
Top 10: Movie Soundtracks
We've picked ten of the best scores of all time, some of them will bring the tears back.
Top Ten: Best Dressed Men
Find out which male celebs have been voted best dressed men in a poll by Glamour magazine...
Top 10: Celebrity Bikini Bodies
We asked you whose celebrity body you'd like to have and flaunt on the beach and here are your answers....
Top 10 Love Songs
Find out what the top 10 romantic songs are as voted by you!
Comments