Headmaster Cleared Of Sexually Molesting Boy Is Sacked

A North Wales headmaster, who was previously cleared of sexually molesting one of his boy pupils, has now been sacked from his post. Christopher Barker was headmaster of Ysgol Tanyfron near Wrexham but was suspended when the allegations were made.

He faced trial by jury at Mold Crown Court in October of last year and when found not guilty said that he was looking forward to returning to his post.

But he has now been “summarily dismissed” from the school by governors following an internal inquiry.

Last week an appeal hearing was set up – but it is understood that he did not turn up for the appeal.

Wrexham County Borough Council this weekend confirmed that Mr Barker has now been sacked.

In a statement, Hywyn Williams, the council’s chief learning and achievement officer confirmed that Christopher Barker, head teacher at Ysgol Tanyfron has been summarily dismissed from his post as head teacher of the school.

In a statement, he said, “The dismissal is as a result of a detailed independent investigation initiated by the governing body, in accordance with set procedures.

“The investigation led to an initial disciplinary hearing before the governors’ disciplinary committee and subsequently an appeal committee hearing which was heard last week.”

The statement said that there had been no disruption to the education of pupils at the school.

“The acting head teacher and staff have been fully supported by the governing body and the LEA,” he added.

“These temporary arrangements will remain in place for the short term.

“The longer term plans for replacing the head teacher will be discussed very shortly with the Governing Body.”

Barker could not be contacted for his reaction to the governors’ decision.

Shortly after being cleared at Mold Crown Court, on October 7 last year, Barker told how he wanted to get back to the profession he loved as quickly as possible.

Barker was alleged to have sexually assaulted the boy pupil on five occasions – once on a school trip.

The jury found Barker (45), headmaster at Tanyfron for nine years, not guilty of all five charges of sexual touching of the pupil.

Barker, of Penfold Way, Dodleston near Chester, had flatly denied touching him sexually or inappropriately in any way.

He said that his main concern during one to one behavioural sessions with him was the child who had behavioural problems and who was one of the most challenging pupils he ever had to deal with his 20 year or more career.