A FORMER headteacher will stand trial next year after denying a string of child sex offences.

Neal McGowan, 54, now of Dickonsfield, in Edinburgh, where he is originally from, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

He was charged with two counts of abuse of position of trust - one for causing or inciting sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 17, and one for causing a child aged 13 to 17 to watch a sexual act.

He was also charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child.

McGowan taught at William De Ferrers School, in Trinity Square, South Woodham Ferrers.

Hr wore a suit as he appeared in the dock. He spoke only to confirm his name.

He is due to stand trial on January 15 2018, the date was set by Judge David Turner QC.

McGowan was arrested by Essex Police in March 2016. He was suspended from William De Ferrers School.