A respected head teacher, a pillar of his school community, harbored a dark secret. He systematically violated the trust of multiple female colleagues, leaving them traumatized and silenced by fear.
The details, revealed in a recent hearing, paint a disturbing picture of calculated abuse. He didn’t simply make inappropriate advances; he actively sought to exploit his position of power, preying on women he suspected wouldn’t dare to speak out.
One chilling incident involved a work presentation that quickly devolved into something deeply unsettling. Instead of professional materials, he displayed explicit images, then issued a veiled threat to a colleague: “You have seen too much of me.”
Five women bravely came forward, detailing instances of unwanted exposure. Each described a growing sense of dread and isolation, paralyzed by the fear of not being believed, of jeopardizing their careers, and of facing further harassment.
A sixth colleague revealed a separate, yet equally concerning, aspect of his behavior. During an internal investigation, Richards failed to return a school-issued laptop – the very device allegedly used to disseminate the explicit images.
The women’s fears were tragically validated when South Wales Police investigated in 2021 and determined there was “no criminal case to answer.” One woman described the crushing feeling of being silenced, watching as the man who abused his power seemingly “got away with it.”
Richards refused to cooperate with the Education Workforce Council (EWC) hearing, offering no defense against the allegations. His absence spoke volumes, leaving the panel to accept all accusations as denied, yet undeniably substantiated by the testimony.
Evidence presented revealed a calculated deception. While claiming debilitating illness, preventing him from participating in the school’s internal investigation, a Swansea Council fraud team documented his activities.
Footage showed Richards, appearing in robust health, enjoying a round of golf with friends – a stark contrast to the claims of cognitive and physical impairment. The investigation exposed a deliberate attempt to mislead and evade accountability.
The EWC panel concluded that Richards’ actions were driven by a desire for sexual gratification and a callous disregard for his colleagues. They described a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior, posing a significant risk to women.
Chair Sue Davies stated unequivocally that Richards was “dishonest and self-serving,” highlighting the entrenched nature of his abuse. The committee determined that striking him from the EWC register was the only appropriate course of action.
Though Richards retains the right to appeal, the hearing served as a powerful testament to the courage of the women who came forward. Their voices, finally heard, have led to a measure of justice and a warning to others who abuse their positions of power.
