Ex-teacher denies touching pupil

A FORMER teacher has categorically denied sexually assaulting a former pupil.

John Williams, 71, is accused of sexually touching a pupil while working at Radyr Comprehensive School during the 1970s.

It was claimed Williams, who taught English and drama, had “fondled and groped” the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, while hitting him with a dap in his office.

During his trial at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, Williams was asked by defence barrister James Evans about his 40-year career as a teacher.

The defendant said at the start of his career, corporal punishment was used in schools and part of his responibilities was to ensure good behaviour, good attendance and general discipline.

He added: “One would make a report, tell people what was happening and the punishment would be carried out with a slipper or in the case of a headteacher a cane.”

He told the court he would normally carry out physical punishments at his office in the drama studio at the school. Mr Evans asked Williams if he had any recollection of the former student who had made the allegation. The defendant said: “No.” Mr Evans continued: “Did you ever touch a boy or a girl inappropriately?”

Williams said: “No, no I have never inappropriately touched a male or a female.”

Prosecutor Caroline Rees asked Williams, who also taught at Duffryn Comprehensive School, in Newport, and was head teacher at Pen-y-Dre High School, in Merthyr Tydfil, whether he felt uncomfortable about corporal punishment.

The defendant said: “Yes. It was something that was expected of you and you did it.”

Ms Rees added: “Teachers were expected to be supported and believed and parents would challenge teachers less, pupils would be expected to do what they were told.”

Williams said: “We have moved towards a more open and understanding culture.”

The prosecutor continued: “Do you remember anything that might have led him [the student] to hold a grudge against you?” Williams said: “No, not at all.” Ms Rees said: “Your good name means a great deal to you.

“Is there any occasion where you overstepped the mark and were inappropriately touching (the student)?”

The defendant said: “No I did not touch [the student] inappropriately, I honestly did not.”

Williams, of Pen-y-Waun, Pentyrch, denies six counts of indecently assaulting a pupil.

The trial continues.