A TEACHER from the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester has appeared in court over allegations of child abuse pictures.

Patrick Lawrence Jenkins, 31, appeared at Dorchester Crown Court where he pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of making indecent images of a child.

The charges involved a total of 775 images, with the images graded between one and five – one being the least serious and five the most serious.

Science teacher Jenkins, of Thornhill Close, Dorchester, spoke only to confirm his name and enter not guilty pleas to the 21 charges put to him.

He denied making 283 grade one images, 61 level two images, 176 at grade three, 245 grade four images and 10 at the most serious level five.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between October 23, 2007, and May 19 last year.

The case was adjourned for a trial on October 10 at Dorchester Crown Court.

Jenkins was released on unconditional bail.

A spokesman from the Queen’s Avenue school said the allegations did not have any connection to any pupils at the school.

Clerk to the governors Tony Day said: “The Thomas Hardye School is aware of proceedings respecting Patrick Jenkins. “Dr Jenkins underwent and fulfilled all the necessary checks and references before his appointment and had been through the required CRB procedure.

“He has not been in the school or had contact with it since this matter came to light and the school has been informed that none of the charges are linked to students at the school or his work and conduct within the school.”