Suicide-head police probe found no indecent pictures
AHEAD teacher who took his own life during a police probe over indecent images had done nothing wrong, it has been confirmed.
Huw Jones was found dead two days after officers searched his home after receiving intelligence from another police force concerning indecent images.
But South Wales Police have now confirmed that no such evidence was found in Mr Jones’ possession.
Mr Jones, who was head teacher of Albert Road Primary School in Penarth, was due to attend a meeting at Vale of Glamorgan council to discuss a “safeguarding issue” on the day of his death but didn’t turn up.
The 51-year-old was found dead in the grounds of St Lawrence Church, in Lavernock, on February 1.
A cause of death was later given as hanging.
Following Mr Jones’ death, South Wales Police continued their investigation which concluded that no criminal offences had been committed.
Their handling of the case is now being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
A spokesperson for the force said: “South Wales Police can confirm that enquiries which continued following the death of Huw Jones did not identify any criminal offences.
“Mr Jones was never arrested by South Wales Police – officers visited his address on Monday, January 30, 2017, while making enquiries.
“South Wales Police is awaiting to hear back from the IPCC after the matter was referred to them following Huw Jones’ death.”
A spokesperson for the IPCC confirmed an investigation into the contact South Wales Police had with Mr Jones prior to his death was ongoing and nearing completion.
They added: “Once complete, our findings will be shared with the force and Mr Jones’ family.”
An inquest into Mr Jones’ death was held at Cardiff Coroners’ Court on Wednesday and heard from Detective Sergeant Emma Hampton, who carried out the search warrant at Mr Jones’ home.
Describing the scene, Det Sgt Hampton said: “We introduced ourselves and explained we were at the address to execute a warrant. When I asked him why he thought we might be at the property he said ‘I like young chaps’. I cautioned Mr Jones and left him in the dining area while we were continuing a search. He seemed slightly nervous and drunk two glasses of water. He asked me if it was ‘illegal to talk’.”
Mr Jones was not placed under arrest during the search warrant and Det Sgt Hampton left him details for the Lucy Faithfull Foundation and the Samaritans.
When asked by Area Coroner Phillip Spinney how Mr Jones presented during the search, she said: “When I left the address Mr Jones seemed fine. I left him some paperwork with support numbers and asked him if we wanted to contact anyone to come to the address but he assured me he was fine.
“I have thought about this over the last several months and I don’t believe there was anything else I could have done.”
Concluding the inquest, Mr Spinney said: “I am satisfied to the extent I am sure Huw meant to take his own life and I will record a conclusion of suicide.”
For confidential support, the Samaritans can be contacted for free around the clock 365 days a year on 116 123.