Primary head admits indecent images charge

APRIMARY school headteacher has admitted making indecent images of a child. Rhian Eleri DeSouza, pictured left, who is currently suspended from her role as head of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gellionnen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 15, where she

indicated guilty pleas to two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child in May and June of this year.

A statement from Swansea Council and the school, which is in Bryn Tirion, Clydach, Swansea, has said the court proceedings do not relate to any pupil, past or present, at any school DeSouza has taught at. The 43-year-old, of Five Roads in Llanelli, has now been committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on August 31.

Until then she has been given bail and must report to Llanelli Police Station three times a week.

A joint statement from the school and council read: “We would like to reassure parents that the court proceedings do not relate to any pupil, past or present, at any school the individual has taught at. As soon as we were made aware of the investigation by police she was suspended and remains so.

“An acting head teacher is in place and support is being given to ensure there is no impact on the day-to-day running of the school.”

An NSPCC Cymru/Wales spokesperson said: “As a head teacher at a primary school DeSouza held a position of great responsibility over children. She would have been well aware that children pictured in indecent images are victims of crime.

“The NSPCC is campaigning for more to be done to remove indecent images from the web, while we also visit hundreds of primary schools in Wales every year to teach children how to stay safe from abuse and to seek help when they have concerns.”

■ If an adult is worried about a child they can call the NSPCC 24/7 on 0808 800 5000 in confidence.

■ Children and young people can contact Childline anytime on 0800 1111 or access help online at www.childline.org.uk.