Male teacher, 59, who had an affair with a student, 18, wins $90,000 compensation after successfully claiming he was unfairly sacked when the relationship was exposed 

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A 59-year-old former teacher has been awarded $90,000 in compensation after he was 'unfairly' sacked for starting a romantic relationship with an 18-year-old student.

John Martin taught Samantha Anderson at Padua College in the seaside suburb Rosebud in Mornington, Victoria, when she was in years seven and eight and once she reached year 12, the pair began to meet at the gym, the beach and for coffee.

Mr Martin denied having a sexual relationship with Ms Anderson until two months after she completed year 12, but was fired by the school's principal in July 2013 after an investigation,The Age reported.

A 59-year-old former teacher has been awarded $90,000 in compensation after he was 'unfairly' sacked for starting a romantic relationship with an 18-year-old student (stock image)

The principal of Padua College Christopher Houlihan was told about the relationship by Ms Anderson's concerned parents, who believed the 59-year-old had groomed their daughter, the tribunal heard.

Ms Anderson denied being touched inappropriately or groomed while she was a student.

Mr Martin filed a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming he had been discriminated against and lost respect from his fellow teachers.

John Martin taught Samantha Anderson at Padua College (pictured)  when she was in years seven and eight and once she reached year 12, the pair began to meet at the gym, the beach and for coffee

Ms Anderson denied being touched inappropriately or groomed while she was a student (stock image)

'It lacks all credibility for Mr Houlihan to assert that he paid little or no regard to the sexual relationship between Mr Martin and Ms Anderson in reaching the decision to dismiss,' Victorian Civil and Administrative senior member Noreen Megay found.

'I find that in standing Mr Martin down and then dismissing him, Mr Houlihan directly discriminated against Mr Martin by treating him unfavourably because of his lawful sexual activity with Ms Anderson.' 

Mr Martin was awarded with $80,000 for financial loss at losing his job and a further $10,000 for pain and suffering. 

After being sacked, Mr Martin filed a complaint with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming he had been discriminated against and lost respect from his fellow teachers