Huw Jones was found dead two days after officers searched his home when they received intelligence from other force concerning indecent images
A headmaster who killed himself during a child porn investigation had done nothing wrong, police confirmed today.
Huw Jones was found dead two days after officers searched his home when they received intelligence from other force concerning indecent images.
South Wales Police have confirmed that no evidence of such material was found in Mr Jones’ possession.
Mr Jones, who was head teacher of Albert Road Primary School in Penarth and appeared on Come Dine With Me in 2011, was due to attend a meeting with Vale of Glamorgan council to discuss a ‘safeguarding issue’ on the day of his death but didn’t turn up.
The 51-year-old was found dead in a churchyard in Lavernock, south Wales, on February 1.
A cause of death was later given as hanging.
Following Mr Jones’ death, South Wales Police continued their investigation and concluded that no criminal offences had been committed.
Their handling of the case is now being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
A spokesman for the force said: ‘South Wales Police can confirm that inquiries which continued following the death of Huw Jones did not identify any criminal offences.
‘Mr Jones was never arrested by South Wales Police – officers visited his address on Monday, January 30, 2017, while making inquiries.
Mr Jones was head teacher of Albert Road Primary School in Penarth and appeared on Come Dine With Me in 2011
He was due to attend a meeting with Vale of Glamorgan council to discuss a ‘safeguarding issue’ on the day of his death but didn’t turn up. He is pictured on the show
‘South Wales Police is awaiting to hear back from the IPCC after the matter was referred to them following Huw Jones’ death.’
A spokesman for the IPCC confirmed an investigation into the contact South Wales Police had with Mr Jones prior to his death was ongoing and nearing completion.
They added: ‘Once complete our findings will be shared with the force and Mr Jones’ family.’
An inquest into Mr Jones’ death was held at Cardiff Coroners’ Court on Wednesday and heard from Detective Sergeant Emma Hampton, who carried out the search warrant at Mr Jones’ home.
Describing the scene, Detective Sergeant Hampton said: ‘We introduced ourselves andexplained we were at the address to execute a warrant.
‘When I asked him why he thought we might be at the property he said: “I like young chaps”.
A spokesman for the IPCC confirmed an investigation into the contact South Wales Police had with Mr Jones prior to his death was ongoing and nearing completion
Detective Sergeant Emma Hampton, who carried out the search warrant at Mr Jones’ home, said: ‘I left him some paperwork with support numbers and asked him if we wanted to contact anyone to come to the address but he assured me he was fine’
‘I cautioned Mr Jones and left him in the dining area while we were continuing a search. He seemed slightly nervous and drunk two glasses of water. He asked me if it was “illegal to talk”.’
Mr Jones was not placed under arrest during the search warrant and Detective Sergeant Hampton left him details for the Lucy Faithfull Foundation and the Samaritans.
When asked by coroner Phillip Spinney how Mr Jones presented during the search, she said: ‘When I left the address Mr Jones seemed fine.
‘I left him some paperwork with support numbers and asked him if we wanted to contact anyone to come to the address but he assured me he was fine.
‘I have thought about this over the last several months and I don’t believe there was anything else I could have done.’
Concluding the inquest, Mr Spinney said: ‘I am satisfied to the extent I am sure Huw meant to take his own life and I will record a conclusion of suicide.’
- For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.