A groundsman at one of Cardiff’s leading independent schools has appeared in court charged with historic child sex offences.
David John Williams, of Y Dolydd, Watford, Caerphilly , appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court in March charged with five cases of indecent assault, one of gross indecency and one of rape.
The offences are alleged to have taken place at a number of locations between August 1996 and August 2000.
Williams has been suspended from his duties at the Cathedral School, in Llandaff , where he is still listed on its website as a groundsman.
The 55-year-old was granted conditional bail and will go on trial at Cardiff Crown Courton September 26.
In a letter to parents Stephen Morris, head teacher of the Cathedral School, stressed the charges do not relate in any way to the school or its pupils.
No connection
He said: “I consider it my duty to write to inform you that a member of the school’s grounds staff has appeared before Cardiff Magistrates Court today charged with sexual offences, which are of an historic nature.
“On July 1, 2015, this member of staff was arrested and interviewed by police; the individual was immediately suspended from their duties at school, without prejudice, pending the outcome of the police investigation.
“Given that criminal proceedings are now active, the school is unable to comment further at this time.
“However, I would like to emphasise that the charges are not in any way connected to the school or its pupils.
“Let me also assure you that the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of the utmost importance, and we continue to take every possible measure to ensure this at all times.
“All staff have up-to-date training in child protection, and our policies on safeguarding are kept under active review at all times to ensure they conform to best practice.”
'Proceedings active'
A spokeswoman for the Cathedral School said: “The school can confirm that a member of its grounds staff has been charged with historical sexual offences.
“Given that criminal proceedings are now active, the school is unable to comment further at this time.
“However, the school would like to emphasise that these alleged offences are not in any way connected to the school or its pupils.
“The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of the utmost importance, and we continue to take every possible measure to ensure this at all times.”
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/parents-cardiff-school-been-informed-11325715
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