A TEACHER who slapped a 15-year-old pupil's backside in a "friendly manner" had charges of indecent assault against him dropped.

But Trevor Towers, 59, of The Moorings, Newport, agreed to be bound over to keep the peace for twelve months in the sum of £250 after agreeing his behaviour was inappropriate.

Towers, who works at a school in the Torfaen area, was suspended after being charged and his bosses today said further discussions would now take place to decide on his future.

Prosecutor Sue Ferrier told Cardiff crown court the prosecution had formed a view that Towers could be dealt with by a binding over order instead of facing criminal charges.

She said there was an acceptance by him of "inappropriate behaviour" in the classroom when he slapped the bottom of a girl.

He had told police it was in a "jokey, friendly manner".

She said the matter had been considered carefully and there had been discussions with the girl involved.

Towers pleaded not guilty to a charge of indecent assault, and not guilty to a charge of sexual indecency with a child and the prosecution offered no evidence.

Recorder Peter Griffiths told him: "You had a responsible position. You know full well you should not have done what you did. I suspect you had an agonising time with this hanging over your head."

The recorder said he came to the view that it was "wholly inappropriate behaviour".

All the matters, he added, had been handled "very sensibly and sensitively".

Towers' counsel, David Elias said he agreed to be bound over. The incident happened a year ago. From the outset Towers accepted he had slapped her, he said.

A Torfaen council spokesman said: "In the light of the verdict the matter including the suspension will now be referred back to the school."