Kato Harris was cleared of three charges of rape (Picture: Central)

A teacher broke down in tears as he was cleared of raping a pupil in just 26 minutes.

Kato Harris, 37, was accused of attacking the teenager three times after inviting her to stay in the classroom during lunch breaks for chats.

But a jury did not believe the girl and they cleared him of all charges.

Japan stabbing: Knifeman kills 19 and injures 20 at disability centreHe was head of geography and assistant head at the North London school where the rapes were said to have taken place.


However, he insisted that this was ‘completely impossible’ because his door would have been open and staff or students could see into the room.



Mr Harris is currently suspended from his job at another school while the trial took place.

He believes that the girl may have made up the allegations in revenge after he mocked her ‘silly face’ in a school photo.

Woman’s racist rant at doorman caught on videoA jury of seven men and five women at Isleworth Crown Court took just 26 minutes to clear Harris of three counts of rape in the autumn term of 2013.

Harris wept and sank to his knees as the verdicts were read out, while his supporters in the public gallery also sobbed and applauded.

The allegations were made after the girl moved to a new school and staff became concerned for her welfare. She said she struggled with bullying.

A house mistress told the girl she suspected sexual abuse to which the teenager replied ‘maybe’.

Events then appeared to have snowballed from there.

A former headteacher said the accusations were ‘unbelievable, adding: ‘He did his job extremely well. He was a passionate geographer. Every day he had a packed classroom.

‘As a teacher, he was outstanding, bordering on brilliant. Pupils adored his lessons.

‘He was a problem-solving member of staff. If I were still a headteacher, I would employ him in a heartbeat.’

Harris, of Richmond, Surrey, was cleared of three charges of rape.