Head arrested again after new sex claims

8:23am Saturday 10th May 2008

Headteacher David Thorley has been arrested for a second time under the Sexual Offences Act.

Mr Thorley, aged 55, who is currently headteacher of Pembroke Dock Community School was arrested by police on Friday following a complaint from the Gloucester area relating to alleged offences between 2004 and 2006.

Following his second arrest by Dyfed-Powys Police, Mr Thorley was released on bail pending further enquiries.

The headteacher, who oversaw the grand opening of Pembroke Dock's £11.3million Super School in 2001, has already been stopped from having contact with pupils at the school after his original arrest in connection with similar offences.

A spokesman from Dyfed-Powys Police said last Friday: "We can confirm that following a complaint received from the Gloucestershire area a 55-year-old man was arrested and interviewed in relation to an investigation into alleged sexual assaults in west Wales between 2004 and 2006. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service."

Pembrokeshire County Council's policy is that any member of staff who is the subject of investigation following an allegation in relation to children should be removed from contact with children.

A spokesman for the county council said: "The council can confirm that certain issues are being investigated and that a senior employee has been assigned to duties that do not involve contact with children."

The spokesman added: "The investigation is being carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police."

The Pembroke Dock head had previously worked as a teacher at Dinglewell School, Hucclecote and Elmbridge Junior in Gloucester between 1975 and 1990, where he was well-known and worked with hundred of youngsters.

However, it is not believed that any of the allegations relate to his time in the Gloucester shire schools.

The Crown Prosecution Service is currently awaiting decisions as to whether or not charges can be made against Mr Thorley in relation to his original arrest under the Sexual Offences Act.

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