Richard James Pugh, 41, from Aberdare, slipped a can of Malibu and pineapple mixer into the girl’s school bag in January, alongside biscuits, iced coffee and a Nando’s voucher. He also messaged her on Instagram and signed a card “your best buddy” with a kiss.
The pupil told Merthyr Magistrates Court that the unwanted attention left her feeling “vulnerable” and “exposed,” saying she was constantly looking over her shoulder at school.
Judge blasts betrayal of trust
Pugh initially denied supplying alcohol to a minor, but changed his plea to guilty last month. He was fined £500, ordered to pay £850 in costs and surcharges, and made subject to a 12‑month restraining order.
District Judge Neil Thomas said Pugh had “damaged the trust of his profession” and accused him of refusing to take responsibility, adding: “There was nothing of any credibility in his evidence and he could not tell the truth even at this late stage.”
Police condemnation
South Wales Police described his behaviour as “inappropriate” and said it had brought both his profession and the school into disrepute.
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.”
