A teacher who led a school boating trip in which a nine-year-old girl drowned has been fined �2,000 by a Portsmouth court.

Science teacher Paul Dove, 66, had pleaded guilty to failing to take adequate precautions to protect the health and safety of children in his care.

The nine-year-old, Elizabeth Bee, was a pupil at Boundary Oak School, Fareham in Hampshire, when the motorboat carrying nine children from the school capsized in Portsmouth Harbour in September 1999.

The school was also fined �20,000 for failing to ensure the safety of its pupils and �5,000 for failing to ensure the safety of staff.

Because of this my family has lost our beautiful Elizabeth and Victoria, her twin, has lost a soulmate

Elizabeth's mother Lesley Bee

Speaking after the hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Elizabeth's mother Lesley Bee, 45, of Waterlooville, Hants, said: "I am devastated.

"This was a tragedy waiting to happen. Too many mistakes were made.

"Bad decisions were taken and many safety measures were not adhered to.

"Because of this my family has lost our beautiful Elizabeth and Victoria, her twin, has lost a soulmate."

Victoria had also been on the boat when it capsized.

Judge Tom MacKean said: "If there is to be any benefit to be derived from these tragic events it would be that it might encourage other schools or groups to keep the highest possible standards to reduce the risk of further accidents."

Paul Dove admitted neglecting safety on the trip

Earlier, the court heard Dove had been the sole supervisor of nine children - even though official guidelines said a teacher should look after no more than six.

The trip was dogged with problems including a boy falling overboard - who was recovered quickly - and the engine failing while the waves began to get higher, rocking the boat.

The boat capsized after the children panicked when a bucket containing a jellyfish Dove had collected fell over, the court was told.

It was ten minutes before it was realised Elizabeth had gone missing, the court heard.

David Brierley, of the Professional Association of Teachers, said Elizabeth's death should not stop other schools from organising sailing activities and other trips.

"It must not be forgotten that the vast majority of school trips are run safely," he added.