Ex-teacher fined for buying alcohol for pupil

A former Head of Department at a Neath secondary school has been fined after buying alcohol for a child under 18.

Richard Pugh, 40, from Aberdare, purchased a can of Malibu and pineapple mixer on behalf of the pupil while working at the school in January 2025.

Pugh initially pleaded not guilty to purchasing alcohol on behalf of a person under 18, but changed his plea to guilty on 19 November.

He was fined £500, ordered to pay a £200 court surcharge and £650 in prosecution costs. He has also been made subject to a 12-month restraining order against the victim.

Detective Constable Rachel Thomas said: “Richard Pugh’s inappropriate behaviour brought both his profession and the school into disrepute.

“This was unwanted attention shown towards a pupil which has caused them anxiety.”

If you have been affected by this incident, contact South Wales Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 2500009796.