### ‘Seconds of Madness’ See Learning Support Worker Lose Dream Role After Violent Incident
A respected learning support worker has lost both his ‘dream job’ and professional registration after a violent outburst at a local rugby club resulted in criminal conviction and professional suspension. Evan Richard Davies, who was employed by the Cardiff City Football Club Community Foundation, admitted that a momentary lapse of judgement irreparably altered the course of his career and personal life.
The incident, which unfolded at Merthyr Rugby Club, occurred in full view of children, adding a further layer of seriousness to the case. During a professional standards hearing conducted by the Education Workforce Council Wales (EWC), it was revealed that Davies had physically assaulted another man, headbutting him before punching him to the ground and delivering two kicks to his face.
Davies had previously worked with vulnerable individuals, including those at Parc Prison, where his role was to help people reform and reintegrate positively into society. Ironically, it was his background in guiding others away from anti-social behaviour that made his offence all the more stark. The court heard Davies himself described the act as hypocritical, given his efforts to rehabilitate others.
In recognition of the incident’s gravity, Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court sentenced Davies in October 2023 to a total of 15 months, suspended for 18 months. Additional penalties included a period of alcohol abstinence, engagement in a rehabilitation activity, and three months of electronic tagging. He was also ordered to pay £325 in compensation to the victim.
The EWC hearing, which took place on 8 May, detailed that Davies’s conviction for actual bodily harm was directly relevant to his professional registration as a school learning support worker. Presenting officer Hywel Evans told the panel that Davies’ violent conduct was witnessed by children, thereby undermining trust and confidence in the school workforce.
Speaking on his own behalf at the hearing, Davies acknowledged the profound impact his “few seconds of madness” had on both his family and his career. He admitted the offence, stating, “It was not acceptable,” and expressed remorse for finding himself in a position he counselled others to avoid. The panel was told that Davies viewed the incident as entirely out of character, given his history of voluntary service and professional conduct up until that point.
Despite his contrition and lack of previous disciplinary issues, the EWC committee determined that Davies’s actions warranted significant penalty. As panel chair Robert Newsome articulated, the offence not only caused injury but was also committed in a public setting, witnessed by minors, thereby posing risk to public safety. However, the panel drew attention to certain mitigating factors, including Davies’ guilty plea, his reflection on the harm caused, and the positive references submitted on his behalf.
Acknowledging the steps Davies had taken since the incident, the committee decided an 18-month suspension from the Education Workforce Council register was an appropriate outcome. This means Davies cannot work in schools or educational settings in Wales during this period, although his name technically remains on the register. Once the suspension elapses, Davies will have to re-apply for registration should he wish to return to the profession.
Mr Newsome, speaking on behalf of the committee, noted the hope that the suspension would provide Davies with “ample time to reflect” and safeguard against any recurrence of such behaviour. Davies retains the right to appeal to the High Court within 28 days of the decision.
This case highlights not only the serious consequences that can arise from moments of impulsive violence but also the expectations placed upon those working in educational and community roles. It raises important questions about rehabilitation, personal accountability, and the standards to which professionals are held—especially when they serve as role models to young people.