A TEACHER who took photographs up a woman’s skirt on school property was caught in the act by a colleague.

Simon Tidbury, 31, was caught by a colleague trying to take a covert picture of a woman by positioning his phone under her skirt.

Officers arrested Tidbury at a primary school in Colchester after a call was received from the headteacher.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard Tidbury’s phone was seized and forensic analysis revealed two upskirt images.

The victim was identified via a number of ‘full-length’ images found on the same phone.

The two pictures were taken on separate occasions in June last year.

Tidbury, of Mersea Road, Colchester, answered “no comment” when asked about the upskirt pictures.

Nishma Shah, prosecuting, said: “The length of time between the photos is a cause of concern for the crown.

“Photos were taken on more than one occasion.”

Tidbury admitted two counts of recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent and one count of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent.

Caroline Woodley, representing Tidbury, argued magistrates could retain jurisdiction of the case as their sentencing powers were adequate.

She said: “The defendant would say there are no elements of raised harm, there is no suggestion the images were distributed.

“The victim was not recorded in her own home.”

She added: “I would ask for a pre-sentence report to be carried out, he has no previous convictions.

“He was working as a teacher, of course he is no longer working as a teacher.”

Magistrates agreed to retain jurisdiction of the case for sentence, but asked for a pre-sentence report to be carried out.

Lucy Lavender, chair of the bench, said: “We are going to adjourn the matter today until March 17.”

Tidbury was released on bail, with conditions not to attend or go within the boundaries of the school in question.

He must not contact, directly or indirectly, any prosecution witnesses or any members of staff at the school.