Teacher remanded on child sex offences

A school teacher appeared in court today charged with a string of sex offences against two girls aged 15 and 16.

Christopher Drake, 28, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday after police were called to a disturbance at a flat in Eccles, Greater Manchester.

Salford Magistrates' Court heard a list of 21 charges dating back to September 2008, including 18 counts of sexual activity with a child.

One of the alleged offences took place in Munich, Germany, in April 2009.

Drake, of Ellesmere Road, Eccles, also faces charges of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust and making threats to kill in February this year, and common assault in March last year.

The prosecution argued he should not be granted bail on the grounds that he risks interfering with witnesses, and for his own protection.

No application for bail was made by the defence.

He is due to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, for a preliminary hearing on February 23.