Deputy Headteacher at Welsh Primary School Exposed as Sex Offender in Police Sting
Anthony Moses, a 48-year-old deputy headteacher at Durand Primary School in Caldicot, Monmouthshire, has been sentenced after being caught in an online police sting operation. The court heard that Moses believed he was contacting a 14-year-old boy when he asked for "naughty pictures" on a dating app, but was actually communicating with a police decoy account.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Details
Cardiff Crown Court was told this week that Moses engaged in online conversations on FabGuys, a dating app for gay men, on November 20, 2024. He denied the charge of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child but was found guilty following a trial in February. On Monday, April 13, he received a six-month jail term suspended for 12 months.
Judge Richard Kember told Moses he knew the "boy" was aged 14 and had solicited images. The judge spared him immediate prison, citing a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation." Moses must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, a 30-day rehabilitation activity, sign the sex offenders' register for seven years, and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
School and Council Response to the Incident
Durand Primary School contacted parents on the sentencing day, informing them they "may become aware of information in the public domain regarding our deputy headteacher." The school's letter emphasized that the matter is not related to any child connected to the school or local community.
"As a school, as soon as we were made aware of the concern we worked with our statutory partners, the local authority and police in line with our safeguarding procedures," the letter stated. It noted that Moses was not at work during the investigation due to a prior absence.
A Monmouthshire council spokesperson said: "As a council and school the safeguarding and wellbeing of our pupils is our main priority. The school and local authority will follow due process now that the criminal process has been concluded."
Background and Legal Context
Moses, from Oakfield in Cwmbran, wrote a "letter of remorse" to the judge. The case highlights ongoing concerns about online child exploitation and the role of educators in safeguarding. The police decoy operation successfully intercepted his attempts, leading to his conviction and sentencing.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting children from sexual predators, particularly those in positions of trust. The school's proactive communication with parents aims to maintain transparency and reassure the community about student safety.
