Suspended deputy headteacher Gareth Williams to face voyeurism and indecent images charges

Mr Williams is accused of filming pupils using the toilet

Police believe a van was used to carry out the theft (Getty Images)

A suspended deputy headteacher accused of videoing teenagers using the toilet for his sexual pleasure has appeared in court to face child pornography charges and allegations of voyeurism.

Teacher Gareth Williams, who has been suspended from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, appeared before magistrates in Cardiff accused of 48 offences.

Charges relating to voyeurism took place at the school he worked at, while other alleged offences took place at two addresses - one in south Wales and one in north Wales, Justices of the Peace were told on Thursday.

They were also informed that the 47-year-old defendant is alleged to have more than 4,500 pornographic images of children on his computer hard drive.

Magistrates also heard the dates of the allegations related to between February 2006 and January 2014.

The defendant appeared via video link to confirm his name age and address.

Detectives carried out investigations at Ysgol Glantaf - which is the largest Welsh medium school in Wales – which led to the charges against Williams.

Parents at the Cardiff school have since been sent a letter explaining the situation.

Headteacher Alun Davies wrote: “Charges have been brought against Mr Williams by the Crown Prosecution Service.

"Some of those charges relate to acts of voyeurism, including six, believed to have been committed on our school premises.

"I am aware of how distressing this is for everyone involved with the school and fully appreciate your concerns.

"I would however ask for your understanding that I am unable to provide specific details about the allegations as they are still the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings."

Williams was remanded custody ahead of his appearance at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday 1 March.

PA