A WOMAN suffered "20 years of trauma" after a Southampton teacher made advances towards her when she was a teenager, a court heard today.

Peter Morse, 50, of Providence Park, Southampton, was working at Bitterne Park School in the early 2000s.

He now faces three charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust.

Yesterday, Southampton Crown Court heard Morse made use of an "imbalance of power" to kiss and coerce the teenage girl.

His alleged victim gave evidence today.

READ MORE: Teacher on trial accused of sexual activity with girl 

Asked if she was infatuated with Morse she said: "I admit I had a crush on him but I wasn't infatuated.

"He encouraged the crush. It was very much led and I reciprocated."

Describing an alleged incident at the defendant's home, the woman said: "He took his clothes off. I was overwhelmed at that point. I was definitely shaking."

Many years later the two got back in touch, the court heard.

The woman said: "I realised I still had a lot of questions. I wanted to say the things I needed to say so I can heal from this. I tried to get closure and unpick 20 years of trauma."

The mother of the alleged victim also gave evidence.

She said her daughter rang her in a highly distressed state in 2020 and described an incident in which Morse allegedly pushed her up against an object and tried to kiss her.

"There was another incident as well but she didn't go into details. I was more concerned about her wellbeing," she said.

"It was very difficult for me to process at the time. My mind was all over the place."

Morse denies the charges.

The trial continues.