An award-winning Welsh television writer killed himself following allegations of child sexual abuse an inquest in Wales has heard. John Owen had been accused by former pupils of a school in south Wales of sexual abuse while working at the school as a drama teacher.
The claims of abuse will now form the basis of the first inquiry into child abuse in Wales to be carried out by children's commissioner for Wales, Peter Clarke.
Recording a verdict of suicide the coroner, Philip Walters, said: "I have no doubt that it was the possibility of criminal proceedings that led him to take his own life." He said it was not for him to comment on the proceedings, adding: "His innocence or guilt was properly a matter for the criminal justice system."
Owen died from an overdose of drink and drugs.
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