Clacton teaching assistant Elaine McKay 'seduced pupil'
A teaching assistant seduced a pupil more than 40 years her junior, sending him explicit images and having sex with him, a court has heard.
Elaine McKay, 58, worked at the Clacton Coastal Academy when the offences happened, Chelmsford Crown Court heard.
Ms McKay, from Clacton, denies two counts of sexual activity with the 15-year-old boy.
However, she admits causing a child to look at sexually explicit images, by exchanging indecent images with him.
Opening the trial, prosecutor Richard Scott said Ms McKay's behaviour breached her duty to "ensure the safekeeping and welfare of all children".
"They had perfectly consensual sex," he said. "The only problem was he was less than 16 at the time while she was in her late 50s.
"Although he was near the age of consent, he was not at the age of consent."
He described how Ms McKay and the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, regularly met outside school.
Ms McKay, of Banister Close, sent him topless and explicit photographs, the court heard.
The relationship came to light when the boy showed the indecent photographs of her, which had been stored on his phone, to one of his friends.
The victim later told his friend that they had had sex, said Mr Scott.
Mr Scott said on one occasion Ms McKay performed a sex act for the boy over the video messaging website Skype.
Unbeknown to her, some of his friends were also watching, the jury was told.
She has admitted causing a child to look at sexually explicit images and accepts there may have been some inappropriate behaviour but claims this never amounted to sexual activity, the court heard.
The trial continues.