A British teacher faces more than 11 years in a Turkish jail if convicted of child abuse charges against a five-year-old pupil.

Rebecca Richardson, 53, says the five-year ordeal has ruined a blemish-free career spanning 20 years and left her mentally ill.

She was arrested on a warrant from Turkey and brought to court to face extradition proceedings.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard she denies allegations she physically and sexually abused a then five-year-old girl in the toilet of an Istanbul school on January 22, 2019.

Ms Richardson left Turkey after being bailed and was not arrested until April 15 this year, when police arrived at her home in Malvern, Worcestershire.

 She said: “I was astounded and shocked that I was charged. The police who dealt with me in Istanbul seemed to think the whole thing was outlandish and would not end in a charge.

“It has been crushing and harrowing. I now suffer from anxiety and depression, am on regular medication, and am unable to build relationships, friendships or any kind of life. It has also ruined my career and drained my savings, as well as my family’s. I cannot work as a teacher and wouldn’t attempt to.”

At the court, Graeme Hall, representing her, said: “There are no convictions against her and no other allegations of any nature. These allegations are as shocking as they are baseless.”