Headteacher touching witness admits lying before (From Western Telegraph)

Headteacher touching witness admits lying before

3:47pm Thursday 7th May 2009 in

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One of 12 girls to accuse Pembrokeshire headteacher David Bryan Thorley of touching them sexually admitted in court today she had invented a similar claim about a local general practitioner.

A video interview made by police in which the girl told how Thorley had pulled up her skirt to look for a rash was played to the jury.

She said she had not felt comfortable and had tried to pull down her skirt.

During cross examination by Thorley's barrister, Marian Lewis, she admitted she had made up an allegation against a GP which ended with her writing a letter of apology.

But she insisted she was telling the truth about what had happened with Thorley.

Thorley, aged 56, of Bryn Heulog, Heol Penlanffos, Carmarthen, denies 19 charges of sexual assault.

The latest girl to give evidence at Swansea crown court said that while Thorley "examined" her she thought a woman was standing in a doorway.

Miss Lewis put it to the witness that she had gone on to allege that, during a visit to her GP for a headache, he had felt between her legs, leading her to call him a "perv".

As a result she had been seen by a social worker and admitted the allegation was untrue. She had written a letter "saying I was really sorry".

She explained to the jury that at the time there had been difficulties at home.

Miss Lewis said, "You lied about the doctor, is that your position with Mr Thorley?"

The witness replied, "No", and added, "Yes, I told a lie and it was wrong. There was stuff going on in my family."

A second girl told the jury how Thorley asked her to pull down her trousers so he could inspect for a rash.

"I didn't know whether to do it or not. It was embarrassing. He touched me just above the knee."

During cross examination, she agreed a woman had been present.

The jury has heard allegations that Thorley had "an unhealthy" attitude towards young girls and took advantage of them under the pretext of applying creams or other medications.

"These were physical examinations of children which the prosecution say were wholly inappropriate," said Huw Rees, prosecuting. "Their parents had not been asked to consent and were not even informed."

During police interviews Thorley admitted treatments had been applied but denied there had been a sexual motive or that he had received sexual gratification.

He said he felt it was his duty under child protection guidelines to treat the children and he had always ensured a woman was present.

Mr Rees alleged that Thorley also indecently assaulted three other girls.

Two were allegedly assaulted when he took them swimming and then applied talcum powder to their intimate areas.

Mr Rees said the actual touching might not be the most serious of cases--"but they show an unhealthy interest in young girls."

The trial continues.