A TEACHER accused of a series of sex offences against children in York is being named for the first time.

Richard Arthur Oldham, 31, has been identified after representations were made to magistrates by The Press and ITV’s Calendar programme, but the three York primary schools where he taught cannot be named for legal reasons.

Oldham is charged with four counts of sexually abusing a boy under 13, three of voyeurism, two of making videos of himself abusing children, and 13 counts of possessing indecent images totalling at least 2,076 photographs.

Oldham, who now lives in North Tamerton, Holsworthy, Devon, faces one additional charge of possession of cannabis.

At an earlier hearing, the court heard he will contest the charges.

Magistrates yesterday continued the conditional bail granted at the first hearing and sent him to York Crown Court where he will appear on May 17.

Parents at the primary schools where Oldham taught were sent letters in March by City of York Council, on behalf of North Yorkshire Police, the schools and the council.

The letter informed parents that the teacher had worked in the schools and the charges followed a recent multi-agency investigation into allegations made against him.

The head teacher of one of the schools also wrote to parents to say the recent news had "shocked and upset all associated with the school, " adding: "The following period is going to be very difficult for all."