FORMER HEADMASTER WILLIAM MOGFORD OF CARDIFF JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON GIRLS

In September 2000, William Mogford, a retired headteacher, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against young girls. Mogford, 57, was found guilty at Cardiff Crown Court of 22 offences committed over a seven-year period starting in the early 1990s. The victims included seven teenage girls and a woman aged 36. A father of four from Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, South Wales, Mogford claimed that his actions—touching pupils during private piano lessons—were intended to help boost their 'encouragement and confidence.'

The court was told that the offences took place after Mogford had retired as headteacher of Gilfach Fargoed School in Bargoed. Prosecutor Hywel Hughes stated that Mogford’s actions ‘went far beyond acceptable behaviour,’ as he was convicted of 18 counts of indecent assault, one count of attempted indecent assault, and three charges of gross indecency.

Hywel Hughes explained that Mogford’s inappropriate behaviour began with him placing his hand on one girl’s leg and escalated to more serious sexual conduct. The prosecutor added, ‘Another pupil wore patterned T-shirts to lessons, and Mogford would poke the designs on them. He also contacted the parents of a different victim, suggesting she should have longer lessons.’

He further revealed that ‘in reality, the extra time was not spent on the piano, but by him fondling her against her wishes,’ highlighting the nature of the misconduct within the context of the piano lessons.