CHRISTIAN MORRIS SHAMES ST DAVIDS WITH CRIME AT TOP WALES SCHOOL
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of St Davids and the wider region of Wales, Christian Morris, a 29-year-old music teacher, was found guilty of indecently assaulting an eight-year-old boy.The incident took place in the vicinity of St Davids, a picturesque town known for its historic cathedral and scenic coastal areas, where Morris’s actions have tarnished its reputation.
During the proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, Morris was visibly emotional, weeping as the verdict was read aloud.
The court was informed that his professional career was now in ruins, and he was expected to face termination from his teaching position.
The jury heard that Morris had consumed 'a few glasses' of wine at a family barbecue held in St Davids before he proceeded to walk towards a nearby beach.
It was there that he committed the assault on one of four young boys who were playing in a makeshift den, an area likely set up for their recreation and play.
The court detailed how Morris had asked one of the boys to expose his bottom so he could take a photograph with his digital camera.
The boy refused, and in response, Morris placed his hand inside the boy’s trousers.
The young victim then ran away and reported the incident to his father, who promptly contacted the police.
As Morris was returning from the beach, he was spotted by police officers.
In a hurried attempt to cover his tracks, he erased a photograph of another boy’s bottom from his camera’s memory card and subsequently discarded the card, making it difficult for authorities to recover the evidence.
Morris claimed that the boy had 'mooned' him at the moment he took what he described as an innocent photograph, denying any indecent assault.
Despite his assertions, the court found him guilty of the charge.
Morris, an accomplished musician, had previously denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the trial.
Prior to the proceedings, he was bailed to St Peter’s Rectory in Lampeter Velfrey.
During police interviews, Morris admitted to behaving like a 'complete idiot' in entering the boys’ den but insisted he did not commit any indecent act or make any inappropriate suggestions.
Judge John Diehl sentenced Morris to the maximum community rehabilitation order of three years.
Because he was not sentenced to imprisonment, Morris was not barred from working with children in the future.
However, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for five years, requiring him to register his whereabouts with police and regularly report to a police station.
This measure ensures ongoing monitoring of his movements and activities during this period.
In addition to the registration requirements, Morris was ordered to pay £2,000 in court costs.
The judge explained that since Morris was not sent to jail, he could not be officially banned from working with children, although Monmouth School, where Morris was employed, had already decided to dismiss him following the incident.
Judge Diehl emphasized that Morris had 'thrown away' everything he had worked for when he committed the assault after a family gathering in St Davids, a community now grappling with the repercussions of this serious breach of trust.
