A BASINGSTOKE headteacher has returned to work after being acquitted of fondling a teenage boy.

As previously reported in The Gazette, Andrew Howard was found not guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16, following a six-day trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The 46-year-old, of Mulberry Way, Chineham, was supported by colleagues from Velmead Junior School, in Fleet, throughout the legal ordeal.

Following Mr Howard’s acquittal in October last year, Hampshire County Council said the governing body and local authority would review the situation before making a decision about whether a return to work was “appropriate”.

Hampshire County Council has now confirmed that Mr Howard, who has taught at various Basingstoke schools during his career, returned to his post on January 9.