Allegations led to TV writer’s suicide

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.