'Boy racer' head to return to job

Paul Davies can go back to his old job in September

A head teacher who was likened to a "boy racer" after a 120mph car crash is to return to his job in September, his union said.

Paul Davies has been told he can return to his job at Cwmdare primary in the Cynon Valley from 4 September.

He was sentenced to 15 months jail after a high speed crash left another motorist in a wheel chair.

Mr Davies, who won his appeal against a teaching ban last month, said he hoped to "repay confidence and trust".

I am delighted that I have been given a second chance Paul Davies

He said: "It is a wonderful outcome. I am so happy that I can resume the career which I love.

"When I return to duty, I will work hard and in time I hope to repay the confidence and trust which the governing body has been good enough to place in me.

"I am really looking forward to being back with the children, staff, governors and parents in September.

"I will always remember the serious mistake and error in judgement which led to the punishment which I have had and which I have accepted."

Mr Davies publically apologised to Mr Palmer for the injuries he received in the crash.

"I will always be so very sorry for that single but dreadful mistake and especially for its consequences for Mr Palmer," he said.

"I hope that I will now be allowed to move on with my life.

"I am delighted that I have been given a second chance," he said.

Disciplinary hearing

The NAHT, representing Mr Davies, confirmed the announcement after a Disciplinary Appeal Committee of the Governing Body, was held on Tuesday evening.

The committee unanimously overturned an earlier decision which dismissed Mr Davies.

That decision was taken "solely in light" of a prohibition order, banning him from teaching, imposed by the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) on 4 February this year.

Last month, Mr Justice Blair, sitting in the High Court, overturned the prohibition order and replaced it with a seven-month suspension from teaching.

The crash in May 2006 happened on the A465 heads of the valley road and it forced motorist Kelvin Palmer to spend 10 months in hospital.

A judge described Mr Davies's driving in wet and windy conditions as "lunatic" and as having the "mentality of a boy racer," during sentencing at Newport Crown Court.