Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Swansea Ex‑Headteacher Struck Off for 'Predatory' Conduct, Barred Until 2040

Richards did not take part in the hearing and now has 28 days to appeal to the High Court.

Overview

  • An Education Workforce Council panel found repeated sexualised misconduct proven, including exposing himself to staff and showing explicit images and a video.
  • The decision removes James Richards from the Wales teaching register and bans him from school roles in Wales, with no reinstatement considered before November 2040.
  • Five women gave evidence about incidents across a decade, including on school premises and a trip, describing trauma and fear of reporting at the time.
  • Richards declined interviews and was absent from the hearing after claiming ill health, a claim undermined by council fraud footage of him driving and playing golf.
  • An internal probe noted a missing school laptop alleged to hold explicit material, and South Wales Police decided in 2021 there was no criminal case.