A paedophile music teacher groomed two girl pupils and even discussed "a future" with one of them, a court heard.

Glen Smith, 52, wooed a 15-year-old victim with text messages, saying: "I want to be able to cherish and love every bit of you."

Police also twice seized computers, containing child pornography, from Smith's home, in Oakham Grove, Ashby.

Judge Michael Pert QC, sentencing Smith, told the married father-of-three: "You are a paedophile and you are a predator.

"You set out to deliberately groom young girls on the cusp of realising their sexuality.

"You've seduced them, not by getting them into bed, but by securing their love and affection as part of a long process of grooming. As a teacher, you're a disgrace to that profession and you've betrayed the trust parents place in teachers."

Smith, head of music at Ivanhoe College, Ashby, for more than 20 years, pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting a pupil, in 1993.

Pearl Willis, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court that Smith formed a close relationship with the girl, described as a "vulnerable loner".

They sat next to each other and sometimes hugged. During a social event at the school, she sat outside in Smith's car.

Miss Willis said: "He kissed her on her neck, pecks and more than one kiss in succession."

She felt flattered, but uncomfortable, and suggested they leave.

Miss Willis said: "He instigated the touching and the friendship went too far. She felt she was easy prey."

In 2006, he was warned by the school about getting too close to another 14-year-old girl – which he ignored. When her mother discovered the text saying he wanted to "cherish and love" every bit of her, she complained to the school.

The girl had turned 15 when she told the police they were in love and they had talked about "a future together".

Smith admitted three counts of sexual activity with the girl. He also admitted 12 counts of possessing indecent images.

In September 2007, police seized Smith's home laptop and computer tower, containing child pornography.

In a later visit, they seized two replacement computers, with more indecent images.

In total he downloaded 1,066 images, all at level one, the least serious category.

He received a three-year community order with supervision, and will have to attend a sex offender programme. Smith was also banned from working with children, or being alone privately with anyone under 17.

Judge Pert said: "However disgusting I find your offences, I'm satisfied the sentencing guidelines make it plain your offending falls to be dealt with not by prison, but a community disposal."

Mark Achurch, defending, said: "He didn't set out intending to hurt anyone, but now realises that he's done that left, right and centre to a number of people.

"The consequences for him are going to be huge. He's been married for 28 years, has three grown-up children."

A spokesman for Leicestershire County Council said: "The council will, as a matter of priority, contact the regulatory bodies to ensure that records are amended to show that Mr Smith is no longer able to work with children or young people, either paid or unpaid, at any time in the future.

"The county council has been in close contact with the school during the period of the police investigation and has offered support and guidance throughout."