A DEPUTY headteacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a Cheshire special needs student funded his drug habit, Chester Crown Court was told.

The troubled teenager’s mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, gave evidence on Monday and claimed married mother-of-two Theresa McKenzie, 39, ‘sent £40’ to buy drugs and that ‘she was financing his cannabis use’.

In the fourth day of the two-week trial the mother described how she also witnessed first hand the pair’s close relationship on a visit to an address in Kingsley, arousing her suspicions.

She said: “I was sitting on an armchair opposite, she was wearing a short-sleeve top.

“He took her left hand, lifted it up with his hand and she started stroking his hair with her left hand.

“He was sat next to her rubbing her arm, his head on her shoulder.”

During the visit, which was made to discuss the troubled teenager’s psychological care, it is alleged McKenzie chased him around the house and into the garden.

“He was going for a cigarette and she was running out after him to be in the garden with him,” said the boy’s mother.

“My suspicions had nothing concrete, my head and my heart weren’t telling me the same thing.”

Later the court heard how the mother confided in McKenzie for months, communicating in phone calls and emails, considering her more a friend than her son’s teacher, all the while it is alleged McKenzie was abusing her position of trust and having a sexual relationship with the then 16-year-old.

Last week the alleged victim admitted having fantasies about the teacher.

Asked if he had formed a sexual fantasy about having an affair with respected teacher McKenzie, the teenager answered ‘yes’, later claiming ‘she was my fantasy’.

Chester Crown Court was told she first performed a sex act on him in the car park of Runcorn Railway Station in broad daylight.

Following the kiss, in the front of her Vauxhall people carrier, he claimed the teacher carried out a sex act on him.

It is alleged McKenzie resumed the physical relationship days later, picking up the teenager at the same station and performing a further sexual act before weeks later having full intercourse at an address in Kingsley.

McKenzie, of Meifod, Powys, and formerly of Chester Road, Kelsall, denies seven counts of sexual activity with a child in a position of trust.

The trial continues.