IT man denies kissing girl, 16

A TEACHING assistant has denied kissing a 16-year-old schoolgirl in his office at an Oldham school, a court has heard.

Anthony Jennings (39) told Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court he had never touched the girl.

The schoolgirl, who cannot be named, said he “snogged” her and it made her feel sick.

Jennings worked in the school’s IT department.

He told his defence barrister Joanna Rodikis that he never kissed the girl or wrapped his arms around her waist in November, last year.

He said: “I never touched the girl, full stop. That never happened.”

Jennings, who was suspended after the girl’s complaint, also said a conversation in which he allegedly said he was old enough to be the girl’s father never took place. He said he confided in another teacher about the attention the schoolgirl paid him and had sent the girl a text message saying “missed you” because she had wanted to see him and he had not seen her that day.

He admitted another text message he sent to the girl was laced with sexual innuendo.

Jennings, of Boothroyden Close, Rochdale, denies one count of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust.

Proceeding.