A SUFFOLK teacher is on bail today after he appeared in court charged with indecent assault.Frank Schmidt, a religious education teacher at East Bergholt High School at the time of the alleged incident, is accused of two counts of indecent assault against a female.

A SUFFOLK teacher is on bail today after he appeared in court charged with indecent assault.

Frank Schmidt, a religious education teacher at East Bergholt High School at the time of the alleged incident, is accused of two counts of indecent assault against a female.

The 34-year-old appeared before three magistrates at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court, in Elm Street, Ipswich, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Dressed in a black leather jacket Schmidt appeared alone in court where he stood throughout the short hearing.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and his not guilty plea.

Prosecutor, Ian Pells addressed the court and outlined the facts of the case.

The assault is alleged to have taken place between July 14 and August 14.

Schmidt, of George Street, Hadleigh, has been on unconditional bail since he was first arrested for the offence.

He was told by chairwoman of the bench, Jacqueline Holmes, that he would face a Crown Court trial at a later date.

Schmidt was represented by Hugh Rowland during the hearing. No defence was made on his behalf at this stage of the proceedings.

He will now return to the magistrates court on March 1. He was released on unconditional bail.

Head teacher at East Bergholt High, Moira Humphreys declined to comment on the matter.