Abuse inquiry draws to a close

John Owen killed himself before a sex abuse trial could begin

The inquiry into claims that a teacher sexually abused pupils at a south Wales school is expected to hear its final statements on Thursday.

Drama teacher John Owen killed himself two years ago after being charged in connection with allegations by teenagers at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd.

An inquiry into the circumstances which preceded his death began in March 2002. The findings are expected to be published in the new year.

Mr Owen taught drama at Rhydfelin between 1974 and 1991, before leaving to write the successful Welsh language teenage drama Pam Fi, Duw? (Why Me, God?) which was set in a comprehensive school.

The programme ran to six series, and executives praised Mr Owen's "rapport and talent with kids".

In 2001, four former pupils of Mr Owen came forward with abuse allegations dating back to his time as a teacher.

Morphine injection

He was charged with five counts of indecent assault, but, the day before he was due in court in October 2001, he was found dead in a caravan at the seaside resort of Trecco Bay, Porthcawl.

An inquest later heard he had killed himself with an injection of morphine.

He was thought to have taken his own life because of stress caused by the allegations.

The inquiry into Mr Owen was launched by Peter Clarke, the Welsh children's commissioner, in March 2002.

Several new allegations have been made by ex-pupils and their parents during the hearings.

There were claims that Mr Owen abused some pupils in his own home as well as asking boys to perform in the nude during "virtually pornographic" lessons.