A manipulative teacher branded “arrogant” by a judge has been jailed for abusing young girls.

Predatory Robert Appleby, who taught at Herne Bay High School, committed sex offences against two teenagers.

The 42-year-old, who had been investigated three times and suspended once, has now been sentenced to seven years and nine months behind bars.

Appleby, of Stablegate Mews, Canterbury, groomed one victim – and persuaded another to lie to police about sex images he encouraged her to send.

Jailing him, Judge James O’Mahony said: “You are a highly intelligent , talented artist, who is charismatic.

“You are also arrogant.”

A jury at Canterbury Crown Court heard how an anonymous letter to the head of the school led to Appleby being arrested.

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

Appleby had denied sexually abusing a second girl but the jury rejected his accounts and found him guilty.

He had earlier admitted sex offences involving a second victim.

During the trial, prosecutor John O’Higgins told how Appleby was a “charming, manipulative predatory abuser” who had targeted one of his victims.

But it was revealed how he had been investigated three times and suspended on one occasion but no charges were brought.

Mr O’Higgins added that Appleby had even been caught by a caretaker with a young girl and reported to the authorities.

The judge told Appleby that his actions had had a devastating effect on his victims – both of whom had contemplated suicide.

He told the ex-teacher: “You have by your own actions destroyed your career and your vocation.”