An Ipswich teacher alleged to have committed sexual offences has accused his ex-partner of downloading the indecent images of children found on his phone.

Richard Cook, formerly of Ipswich but now of Lambert Lane, East Cowes, has denied attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, three offences of attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity and an offence of arranging or facilitating a sex act he intended to do, namely engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 16.

All the offences, which date back to 2019, relate to conversations he allegedly had with adult decoys posing as three girls aged between nine and 14, over the messaging app Kik.

Cook has also denied three offences of making indecent images of children on or before July 29, 2019.

The charges allege that he made one indecent image and five videos in the most serious level A category, three images and 10 videos in category B and 19 images and five videos in the least serious level C category.

His ex-partner was cross-examined by defence barrister Juliet Donovan who said it was Cook’s case that it was her who downloaded and accessed indecent images of children on his phone.

Cook’s former partner said he was not emotionally present in their relationship and had been controlling and narcissistic.

Ms Donovan suggested she had access to the defendant’s phone and put it to the witness that she resented Cook and feared he was having an affair.

The witness denied being able to check his phone during their relationship and using the app to send any messages.

The trial continues.