### Teenage Boy Rejects Teacher Sex Case as “Malicious Rumour” During Cardiff Court Trial
A teenage boy at the centre of a high-profile court case involving a teacher at a Barry school has firmly denied that claims of sexual involvement were nothing more than a “malicious rumour”. The boy, who says he was pressured into a sexual relationship by his drama teacher, explained to a jury at Cardiff Crown Court that embarrassment led him initially to conceal the allegations from police.
Jonathan Coombs, aged 54, who taught performing arts at Pencoedtre High School, stands accused of seven counts of sexual activity with a child while in a position of trust. He has entered not guilty pleas to all charges. The alleged offences, according to prosecution, included sexual intercourse as well as inappropriate contact and exchanges.
The trial has been marked by highly emotive and complex testimony, with the boy stating under questioning that his first statements to police were not truthful. Pressed on this issue by defence barrister Rosamund Rutter, the teenager admitted he felt “embarrassed”, which accounted for his earlier denial of any relationship with Mr Coombs.
When asked directly by Ms Rutter if the claims regarding the teacher were nothing more than rumour, the teenager replied, “It wasn’t a rumour.” The barrister continued to push: “You didn’t say you had a sexual relationship with Mr Coombs?” The teenager explained, “No I didn’t,” but was clear that this was not due to fabricating the story for malicious reasons.
Exploring the circumstances further, Ms Rutter queried whether pressure was applied by the police over multiple conversations, observing that he had originally told them “nothing happened” with Mr Coombs. The teenager responded candidly, acknowledging, “I was embarrassed… Yes I did tell them nothing happened.” However, he maintained under oath, “I was scared to tell the truth. Yes I did, that’s why I’m here today.”
Prosecutors have recorded allegations that Mr Coombs gifted the boy items such as money, aftershave, and a teddy bear, while also sending explicit messages, allegedly instructing the boy to delete such correspondence with dire warnings about the consequences: “our lives would be ruined.”
The trial also heard disturbing accusations that Mr Coombs referred to himself as the boy’s “gay guru” and made repeated physical advances. Testimony included descriptions of escalating sexual conduct, including alleged instances of oral sex, and claims that Mr Coombs once took the boy to his home where he attempted to initiate further sexual contact.
There were specific and serious allegations that the teacher supplied the boy with “poppers”—an inhalant sometimes used for euphoric effects and to facilitate sex—which the complainant said made him feel light-headed. A particularly distressing account described a painful encounter when the defendant allegedly attempted intercourse.
Amidst all this, the defence continues to challenge the boy’s reliability, highlighting initial statements to police that denied any sexual contact and questioning inconsistencies in his account. In response, the boy insisted that his current evidence was truthful, attributing earlier denials to fear and shame.
The trial is ongoing at Cardiff Crown Court, with considerable attention from the press and public as the case raises troubling questions about safeguarding, trust and the responsibilities of those working with children. The outcome is likely to be closely watched, regardless of the verdict, due to the serious nature of the allegations and the broader implications for schools and local communities.
Meanwhile, Mr Coombs remains on trial, maintaining his innocence while facing detailed and often graphic testimony about the alleged nature of his relationship with the pupil. The proceedings are expected to continue in the coming days.