Dad delivers resignation call following son’s death
EMOTIONS ran high at a school yesterday as the devastated family of a pupil who died amid bullying claims handed in a letter calling for the resignation of certain staff members.
Byron John, father of Bradley John, arrived at St John Lloyd School, Llanelli, is demanding several staff quit over events leading up to his son’s death in hospital on Wednesday, September 12.
Bradley, aged 14, was rushed to hospital following an incident during the school day at St John Lloyd.
Since then, allegations have emerged that Bradley was bullied. So far neither the school, Carmarthenshire Council or Dyfed-Powys Police have made any comment on the claims.
Mr John said before handing in the letter: “I have been waiting for a meeting with both the police and the school at the same time since the day of the incident, and nothing has happened.
“So, on Friday at noon, I will be heading to St John Lloyd School to present a letter addressed to the headteacher and school governors demanding the resignation of the staff concerned.
“The support our family has received from the community is overwhelming – but it’s very, very concerning to hear the amount of children and past pupils who have told of how they were affected by bullying here. Generally, people are saying that it’s being swept under the carpet.”
However, the school has also received many messages of support on social media since the tragedy.
One message from Natalia Bennett, said: “I have read the post from WalesOnline supporting the family of the young boy which is commendable, but have read no support for the staff and pupils of St John Lloyd School.
“As a former pupil of the school it is heartbreaking to see and hear the staff being targeted on social media which I think is disgusting.
“I would also like to say that there is a group with over 800 members in just two days which is supporting the teachers and pupils of St John Lloyd school.
“I would like to commend the staff and pupils of St John Lloyd on the way they have acted through this sad and difficult time with the utmost dignity. Mr Howells and his staff do an amazing job and they are the most caring and lovely people you could meet.”
Joann Davies added: “A Facebook group was set up on Tuesday and now has over 800 members all showing overwhelming support for the school.”
Sarah Davies said: “I fully support the staff at St John Lloyd. I serve in the British Army and have delivered mock interviews at the school. I actually admired the school for having some of the most polite, motivated students and the staff for being most welcoming.”
But she said it was right that any allegations of bullying were investigated.
“I asked my 14-year-old son this week, what is the difference between “banter” and bullying? Worryingly, he didn’t have an answer (for a change) and that right there is the issue. They simply do not fully understand their boundaries. This is tearing communities apart.”
Police are continuing their investigation into the death of Bradley, on behalf of HM Coroner.
Gareth Morgans, director of education and children’s services at Carmarthenshire Council said: “Our focus at the moment is supporting everyone involved in this tragic incident.
“We have offered to meet with Mr John and his family to offer any further support that is needed and to hear any concerns that they have. We hope that this will take place early next week.”