Teacher suspended over child sex abuse claims

Friday, 8 November 2024 16:47

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Bouygues UK

A drama teacher facing trial over child sex abuse allegations has been suspended by Pencoedtre High School.

Jonathan Coombs pleaded not guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child.

The 54 year-old is due to go on trial at Cardiff Crown Court next March.

Vale Council has confirmed Coombes was suspended immediately following his arrest by South Wales Police earlier this year and he has not worked at the school since.

In a joint statement with the school, a spokesperson said: "The council and Pencoedtre High School are aware that a member of school staff appeared in court earlier this year and was charged with a number of very serious offences."

"As is standard under the school's safeguarding procedures, the member of staff was suspended immediately after their arrest by South Wales Police and has not worked at the school since."

"All schools in the Vale of Glamorgan have robust safeguarding procedures in place to protect pupils and the wider school community and these have been followed throughout."

It's been another turbulent year for Pencoedtre High in Barry, which has been under special measures from the Welsh Government since February 2023.

Strike action by teachers over concerns about pupil behaviour coincided with the abrupt departure of executive headteacher Debra Thomas.

Innes Robinson quickly took over and improvements were reported in the summer following a half-yearly visit by Estyn inspectors.

But pupil attendance remains a key problem - and last month, figures released by Vale Council revealed low levels during September.

Do you have a story to share? Email News@broradio.fm 

 

More from Bro Radio Newsroom

Vale Weather

  • Tue

    15°C

  • Wed

    14°C

  • Thu

    13°C

  • Fri

    12°C

More from Bro Radio

Local events

  • Array Theatre Quiz Night

    Array Theatre is hosting a quiz night, with an evening of trivia on October 25th from 7pm. It’s a maximum of 6 per team, at £10pp at the Cherry Orchard upstair...

    at Cherry Orchard
  • Halloween Which Craft?

    Barry Town Council’s Halloween Which Craft event is coming back. Barry Town Council’s Halloween event is returning once again, for the whole community to enjoy...

    at Central Park
  • Barry Town United Annual Fireworks Display

    Barry Town United AFC presents its annual fireworks display on Saturday, 1st November. With entry from 5 pm, live entertainment from Bro Radio, rides, food, ...

    at Jenner Park
  • Bears Firework Fiesta 2025

    Penarth RFC's Fireworks Fiesta returns on Wednesday, 5th November. It's £6 per ticket, with £12 tickets available for limited undercover spaces in the Memori...

    at Penarth
  • Barry RFC Fireworks Night

    Barry Rugby Club invite you to Bonfire Night at the Reservoir Fields on 5th November. Doors open at 5:30pm, with fireworks at 7:15pm. Bring your friends, ...

    at Barry Rugby Club
Radio
Online
App
Smart Speaker