PHILLIP MONK PONTYPRIDD TEACHER ACCUSED OF GROPING SEVEN SCHOOLGIRLS AT MAESYBRYN PRIMARY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pontypridd, a primary school teacher named Phillip Monk, aged 61, is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving young girls at Maesybryn Primary School. The allegations, which span over a decade from 1984 to 1995, were brought to light during a court hearing at Newport Crown Court, where Monk is currently standing trial on 23 counts of indecent assault of a person under the age of 14.

According to court proceedings, Monk, who resides in Penycoedcae, Pontypridd, is accused of inappropriately touching seven girls aged between seven and eight while they were at his desk, ostensibly to have their schoolwork marked. The court was told that three of these girls were in the same class at Llantwit Fardre, and the incidents reportedly occurred during routine classroom activities. Prosecutor Suzanne Thomas detailed the allegations, stating that Monk would often place his hand up a girl’s skirt during these moments, which happened regularly whenever he was marking their work.

The prosecution further revealed that the victims recalled additional incidents outside the classroom setting. One such incident involved Monk taking the children to a local community centre to plant oak trees, during which he allegedly continued his inappropriate behavior by having his hand up a girl’s skirt as they walked around. Another distressing account involved swimming lessons, where Monk was said to have held one girl in the water in a manner that made her feel special at the time. The girl later reflected as an adult that she had believed she was one of Monk’s favorites, but only with the benefit of hindsight did she realize the misconduct she had endured.

Throughout the trial, Monk has maintained his innocence, denying all 23 counts of indecent assault. The court proceedings continue as the evidence is examined, and the community awaits the outcome of this serious case that has brought to light troubling allegations against a figure of authority in Pontypridd. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding children and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for victims of abuse.