Jury Clears Former Harrow Teacher of All Charges of Child Sex Abuse

By Ian Proctor
Harrow Observer
January 20, 2012

http://www.harrowobserver.co.uk/west-london-news/local-harrow-news/2012/01/20/jury-clears-former-harrow-teacher-of-all-charges-of-child-sex-abuse-116451-30166377/

A FORMER deputy headteacher has walked free from court after a jury found him not guilty of a series of historical child sex abuse.

David Griffiths, of Thistlecroft Gardens, Stanmore, emerged an innocent man following the conclusion of the trial at Wood Green Crown Court in east London.

Mr Griffiths, who had denied all the historical child sex allegations against him, was found not guilty of the last remaining charge - indecency with a child - today.

He had already been cleared early on in the trial of indecency with a child and the jury found him not guilty of the bulk of the indictment, comprising one count of serious sexual assault and six of indecency with a child, on Thursday January 12.

Today the judge, Recorder Rosemary Jackson, told the 50-year-old: "I'm very pleased to enter a Not Guilty verdict on count three.

"You leave this court without a stain on your character."

Mr Griffiths worked at several schools in Harrow and Barnet during his career, which began in September 1987.

The offences were alleged to have happened between 1991 and 1993 in more than one location, including at a school that cannot be named for legal reasons, and at the Welsh Harp Boating Lake off Cool Oak Lane in Kingsbury.

Griffiths, who is married, was a long running volunteer for Greater London and Middlesex West Scouts, having been rewarded for more than 30 years service including a role as a district commissioner.

He also had a voluntary role in child protection at a local church, as well as assisting with a range of other projects at the church.