Commissioner set to reopen abuse inquiry

The children’s commissioner for Wales Peter Clarke is to reopen
the Clywch inquiry into alleged abuse at a school in south Wales,
writes Alex Dobson.

The inquiry was set up to examine alleged abuse by John Owen,
who taught drama at Rhydfelen comprehensive near Pontypridd, before
going on to become an award winning children’s TV writer.

He killed himself last year one day before he was due to stand
trial accused of abusing pupils in his care, and following his
death his alleged victims campaigned for an independent
inquiry.

The commissioner decided to launch the inquiry in March this
year to learn lessons for the future rather than to apportion guilt
or innocence.

But the examination of the circumstances surrounding the abuse
was halted two months ago when the police decided to investigate
fresh allegations made by alleged victims against five teachers
named by two of Owen’s former pupils.

The crown prosecution service has now confirmed that no further
action will be taken against the five, who were alleged to have
been implicated in incidents of abuse by Owen during drama
sessions.

The mother of one of the alleged victims expressed anger at the
decision, but solicitor Lynda Roberts, who is acting for the former
pupils, said that although some of her clients were disappointed
they would take part in the inquiry when it resumes.

A spokesperson for the commissioner said that the Clywch inquiry
would now reopen in the autumn.