A caretaker convicted of sexual activity with a child has been evicted from the school cottage where he was residing.

Timothy Martin was ordered by a judge today to leave the cottage located on site at Beechfield School in Gammons Lane, Watford.

The order is effective immediately.

It comes after a long campaign by Hertfordshire County Council to evict Martin from the site, after he was charged by police in September.

Martin was found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child earlier this month.

Judge Nathan, at Watford County Court, backed an appeal by the county council to evict Martin who will now be rehomed, along with his girlfriend, by an unnamed local authority.

It's believed Martin left the cottage at the start of May and today police assured parents he will not return.

Detective Constable Martin Cooke said: "Police, together with local authority agencies have been working closely together to address and deal appropriately with the circumstances surrounding Martin's recent conviction.

"Whilst local concerns about Martin's tenancy of a house situated within the grounds of Beechfield School is understandable, it is important to note that his offending was in no way connected to the school or anyone associated with it.

"His continued occupancy in these circumstances, whilst unfortunate, is not the result of any shortcomings on the part of the education authority who are responsible for the house. Martin is not currently residing there and will not be returning to the house."

He added: "Public Protection Officers from Watford Police Station are in contact with Martin, who is co-operating fully with us. Martin represents no more of an actual risk than other such offenders who are safely managed within the community and this close contact will ensure than any perceived risk he poses will be appropriately managed."