A Herne Bay teacher convicted of sex offences against two teenagers has been branded a “vain, arrogant man with serious sexual deficiencies”.

Robert Appleby, 42, had previously admitted sex charges against one girl and encouraging her to send him naked pictures.

But now a jury at Canterbury Crown Court has decided he also groomed a second victim.

The art teacher was remanded in custody after Judge James O’Mahony told him: “It’s not my place to insult you, but it is perfectly clear that you are a vain and arrogant man with serious deficiencies in your sexual attitudes.

“You have a high opinion of yourself. You lied, and lied, and lied and lied again to the police and at your trial.”

The jury heard how an anonymous letter to the head of Herne Bay High School led to Appleby being arrested.

He denied a relationship with the author of the letter – but the investigation revealed he had an affair with another girl, naked pictures of whom were found on his computer.

Appleby, of Stablegate Mews, Canterbury, admitted sex charges – but denied sexually abusing a second girl.

But the jury has rejected his accounts and found him guilty.

He now faces a long sentence and a ban on being able to teach in the future.

During the trial last week, prosecutor John O’Higgins alleged that Appleby was a “charming, manipulative predatory abuser” who had targeted the young teenager.

He had earlier admitted charges involving the second victim and making illegal images of her on his computer.

Judge O’Mahony remanded him in custody for six weeks pending probation reports to see what danger he poses to other young girls.

He said: “You face a substantial period in custody but it is all down to you and your greed to satisfy your own sexual gratifications.”

The judge added that evidence given by Appleby’s father had impressed him, coming from an “honourable, decent man”.

He added: “What a great shame for him to see you in this situation.”