A primary school teacher from Newport has narrowly avoided prison after being found guilty of sending inappropriate videos and images to a young girl. Johnathan Morgan, 35, who was a teacher at a Cardiff school, was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 21 months, at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
Morgan struck up an online friendship with the girl through his work email back in 2023, later connecting on social media. He reportedly dazzled her with tall tales of being in a band, running fame in America, and knowing celebrities like top footballers and snooker players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Things took a darker turn when Morgan began sending explicit photos and videos of himself, while pressuring the girl to reciprocate. His actions led to convictions on two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act and one count of inciting sexual activity with a minor.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Morgan must complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, is under a lifelong restraining order from contacting the victim, and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Morgan’s case serves as a stark reminder of the boundless trust parents place in educators and the devastating impact when that trust is betrayed.
Stay safe online and keep communication open with youngsters about internet safety. 🌐