News

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

The inquiry, the first of its kind in the UK, 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 a day before he was 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. But the examination of the circumstances surrounding the abuse was halted two months ago when the police decide to investigate fresh allegations made by alleged victims against five teachers named by two of Owen's former pupils.

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that no further action will be taken against the five, who were alleged to have been implicated in incidents of abuse by Owen.

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 although some of her clients were disappointed, they were happy to take part in the inquiry when it resumes. The inquiry is to reopen in the autumn.