Teacher sex abuse inquiry resumes

John Owen, left, killed himself before returning to court

The Children's Commissioner for Wales has restarted an inquiry into allegations that a late drama teacher sexually abused pupils at a south Wales school at least 10 years ago.

John Owen was a former drama teacher in Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen in Pontypridd.

Inquiry: Children's Commissioner Peter Clarke

He went on to become a successful Welsh-language television script writer but killed himself in September 2001 while he was awaiting trial on a number of sex abuse charges.

The inquiry, which was halted to allow further police inquiries, has already heard evidence that he had raped one girl and indecently assaulted several boys.

Further evidence is being heard from other pupils, teachers and school governors.

The inquiry - chaired by commissioner Peter Clarke - began in March last year but was first halted to allow further police inquiries into the case.

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This is the final public session of the inquiry, and Mr Clarke will be hearing evidence from other pupils, teachers, school governors and former officials of Mid Glamorgan county council - the education authority responsible for running the school.

The commissioner is hoping to issue draft recommendations on safeguarding pupils taking part in after-school activities, and will then consult experts on how they can be effectively implemented.

Mr Owen, 49, from Tylorstown, Rhondda, south Wales, was found dead in a seaside caravan.

He had taken a lethal overdose of morphine the day before he was due back in court.

He had been charged with five counts of indecency with boys between 1974 and 1991.