Pregnant and married teacher, 33, accused of having sex with teen student

A pregnant and married teacher has been charged over an alleged sexual relationship with her 17-year-old male student. The 33-year woman, who has not been named due to legal reasons, worked at elite private school in Sydney, Australia, which boasts prime ministers as alumni.

On Friday 14 October she appeared at Newtown Local Court in the city, accompanied by her husband and mother, where she was charged with indecent assault and six counts of sexual intercourse with a person under care between 17 and 18 years.

The name of the school has also been withheld in order to keep the identity of the student secret. It has been reported that the teacher was suspended by the school last month, and pupil's parents were informed of the police investigation.

According to Sydney-based newspaper The Daily Telegraph the teenager reported their fling to a school counsellor, who later informed police. Prosecutors said according to the newspaper that the educator "was in a position of power and she's abused that power ... she has exercised a degree of influence over him."

Sydney-based 7News said the court heard that the prosecution has a strong case with evidence that includes text messages.

The woman's mother posted a $30,000 (£18,000) cash surety, allowing the woman to be released on bail before she has been ordered to reappear at court at a later date.