A BOLTON teacher has been acquitted of six charges of sexual activity with a child — but banned from contacting the 15-year-old girl.

Reece Entwistle, of Brighton Terrace, Darwen, was initially charged with six counts of sexual offences with a 15-year-old girl between November 1, 2012, and January 24, last year.

But the 34-year-old, who lost his job at the Bolton high school, which was not named in court, was found not guilty by direction after the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, decided not to give evidence.

Andrew Mackintosh, prosecuting, called her a “vulnerable young lady”.

Judge Timothy Clayson passed an order of acquittal, but gave Entwistle a four-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl.

Neil Fryman, defending, said: “The defendant is of good character. His career in teaching has been left in ruins. He has lost his job and still suffering with these proceedings.”

The Recorder of Bolton Judge Clayson said: “The restraining order is a serious order. If you breach it you will be liable to prosecution.”