Head teacher witness admits 'lie'

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A girl has admitted she had made a false allegation against a doctor, the the trial of a head teacher accused of sexual assaults on children has heard.

David Thorley, 56, from Carmarthen, denies 19 charges in the case at Swansea Crown Court.

In a video interview played to the jury the girl claimed that Mr Thorley had pulled up her skirt to look for a rash.

But under questioning she agreed she had once labelled a GP a "perv" and had to write an apology to him.

However, the latest witness giving evidence against the Pembrokeshire primary school head teacher insisted in court that she was telling the truth about what she said happened in Mr Thorley's office.

She also said she thought a female teacher had been stood in the office doorway when the alleged incident took place.

But defence barrister Marian Lewis questioned the girl on an allegation she had previously made against a GP she had visited for a headache.

It was claimed the witness had accused the doctor of feeling between her legs, leading her to call him a "perv."

As a result she had been seen by a social worker and admitted the allegation was untrue. She had written a letter "saying I was really sorry."

The girl told the jury that at the time there had been difficulties at home.

However, Miss Lewis said: "You lied about the doctor, is that your position with Mr Thorley?"

The witness replied, "No", and added, "Yes, I told a lie and it was wrong. There was stuff going on in my family."

The jury has heard allegations that Mr Thorley had "an unhealthy" attitude towards young girls and took advantage of them under the pretext of applying creams or other medications.

"These were physical examinations of children which the prosecution say were wholly inappropriate," said Huw Rees, prosecuting.

During police interviews the head teacher admitted treatments had been applied but denied there had been a sexual motive or that he had received sexual gratification.

He said he felt it was his duty under child protection guidelines to treat the children and he had always ensured a female member of staff was present.

The trial continues.