A shocking investigation has wrapped up regarding Ciaran Bright, a former school sports coach in Cardiff, found guilty of possessing indecent images. Bright, 30, had been a coach at Christ the King Catholic Primary School and was involved in one-on-one coaching sessions. Recently convicted, Bright received a nine-month suspended sentence after admitting to downloading indecent images of children. Following his arrest in July, parents were left unsettled when news of his misconduct broke, revealing his past as effectively a PE teacher.
Christ the King’s headteacher, Susan Miles, reassured parents that student safety remains a top priority and confirmed that no school children were involved in the offences. The council and school issued a statement following the safeguarding investigation, stating that all incidents occurred outside the workplace.
Sports Xtra, the organisation employing Bright, expressed their shock and immediate action by suspending him once allegations surfaced. The company affirmed their commitment to stringent safeguarding policies to protect young participants in their activities.
Parents expressed frustration over the lack of early communication from the school, urging more transparency. Questions about previous interactions with Bright remain, as some parents were unaware of his whereabouts until the case was widely reported.
Cardiff Council confirmed all safeguarding procedures were meticulously followed in partnership with South Wales Police, ensuring no other children were affected. Bright, plagued by personal issues, has been assigned rehabilitation activities and unpaid community work as part of his sentence, along with a decade-long sexual harm prevention order.
The case has prompted both the school and Sports Xtra to reevaluate their safeguarding measures to ensure the safety of all children in their care.