News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A British teacher who bragged about teaching Harry Potter star Daniel Radliffe has fled to Kuwait to dodge a child abuse trial.

Fugitive Paul Meekin, 40, has been investigated by police in Britain and India, where he was due in court to face claims he engaged in online sex chats with a 13-year-old lad.

When he was arrested in January 2012 he was headteacher at the £1,000-a-term Trio World School in Bangalore, an international school used by British expats.

A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to turn up at court last April.

But we can reveal is now working at a school in Kuwait teaching social studies.

Meekin fled there amid claims he posted lewd comments on the pupil’s Facebook page.

(Image: FilmMagic)

He was sacked after the boy’s US parents complained. It later emerged his qualifications were bogus.

Meekin, originally from Southport, Lancs, landed his job at the Hayat Universal Bilingual School only a few weeks ago.

It is thought he shaved off his beard before starting at the school.

Director Raja Al-Saleg said: “I have been sent a photograph of the man wanted in India and am 99 per cent sure it is him.”

In 2011, Meekin reportedly told an Indian newspaper: “I taught him [Radcliffe] science. I remember him as a very happy kid, sitting in one of those middle rows, third from the back.”

It is unclear if he did teach the actor or not.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We do not comment on ongoing judicial proceedings.”