RACHEL SPEED'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN HENGOED AND FAIRWATER HIGH SCHOOL REVEALED

In a series of disturbing revelations, Rachel Speed, a former teacher from Hengoed, has been embroiled in serious criminal cases involving grooming and sexual abuse of underage pupils. The incidents span several years and have left a lasting impact on the victims and the community.

In November 2013, Speed, aged 41 at the time, was convicted in Cardiff Crown Court of engaging in a sordid and inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl while she was employed as a science teacher at Fairview High School in Cwmbran. The court heard that the relationship, which prosecutors described as a five-year affair, was characterized by sexual activity and grooming, despite Speed’s persistent denial of any wrongdoing. The jury found her guilty of two counts of indecent assault and two counts of engaging in sexual activity while in a position of trust.

Judge David Wynn Morgan, presiding over the case, sentenced Speed to two years in prison. During the sentencing, he emphasized the betrayal of trust involved and the emotional toll inflicted on the victim. The judge stated, “You told lie upon lie to this court and she had to give evidence and relive the humiliation. Teachers are not allowed to have sex with their pupils – everybody knows that.”

The court was informed that the sexual relationship began in 1999, when Speed was teaching at Fairview High School, and continued even after the girl left school to attend university. The victim’s mother and stepfather discovered the relationship after finding inappropriate correspondence, which led to a confrontation. Despite Speed’s solemn promises to cease contact, she continued to maintain the relationship, showing a blatant disregard for the promises made and the concerns raised by the girl’s family.

In a victim impact statement, which was not read aloud in court due to its personal nature, the girl detailed the profound effects of the abuse. She described how the bullying she was already experiencing was exacerbated by suspicions within the school community, and how the trauma affected her mental health. The judge acknowledged the significant damage caused not only to the victim but also to the reputation of the teaching profession, warning that such misconduct could undermine public trust in educators.

Speed’s defense argued that her actions might have stemmed from a complex mix of kindness and genuine care, suggesting that the relationship was not purely abusive. Her colleagues at Fairwater High School described her as a dedicated and hardworking teacher, with glowing references highlighting her positive contributions to the school community. However, the court made it clear that her professional standing could not excuse her criminal behavior.

Following her conviction, Speed was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which would keep her away from children indefinitely. She arrived at court carrying a large backpack and a bulging pink and orange holdall, seemingly prepared for the consequences she faced. The judge emphasized that her actions had irreparably damaged her career and that she would never be permitted to teach children again.

In a separate but related case from October 2013, Speed was also found guilty of grooming and sexually abusing another underage girl at Fairwater High School. The court heard that Speed had developed a close bond with the girl, which included kissing in school store cupboards, dressing up in various outfits, and engaging in sexual acts, including one involving a Mars bar. The victim described how Speed had given her an engagement ring and a car as their relationship progressed, which continued secretly even after the girl entered university.

The victim’s mother became suspicious after discovering a letter from Speed and confronted her daughter. The mother’s concerns led to an investigation, during which Speed’s inappropriate relationship with the girl was uncovered. Despite signing a contract promising to end the relationship until the girl turned 21 or finished her education, Speed continued to maintain contact and carry on the relationship in secret. The girl eventually ended the relationship at age 20, after which she reported the abuse to authorities.

Throughout the trial, Speed maintained her innocence, claiming that her interactions with the girl were based on kindness and that she did not intend harm. She also argued that the relationship was not sexual until the girl was at university and that she only allowed her to visit her house a limited number of times. Nevertheless, the court found her guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assault and engaging in sexual activity while in a position of trust.

Speed’s actions have cast a long shadow over her professional reputation and have raised serious concerns about safeguarding within schools. The court’s verdict underscores the importance of vigilance and integrity among educators, and the community continues to grapple with the fallout from these disturbing cases.