A TEACHER who was sacked after three decades at a Gwent high school for allegedly assaulting pupils has been suspended from teaching for nine months.

The professional conduct committee of the General Teaching Council of Wales (GTCW) found that geography teacher Barrie Mugford had assaulted several pupils at Caldicot School over a period of eight years and made threats to a pupil in Bristol, at a hearing in Cardiff this week.

Mr Mugford, who lives in Bristol, taught at Caldicot School (formerly Caldicot Comprehensive) from September 1974 until April 2012, and was given two warnings after being accused of assaulting or inappropriately touching two pupils between May and July 2004.

One pupil claimed Mr Mugford, who was not present at the hearing, grabbed his neck, leaving red marks, while a girl alleged he squeezed her face while she was eating.

Head teacher Susan Gwyer-Roberts said Mr Mugford was suspended and given a final written warning.

He returned in July 2005, but in February 2006 another pupil claimed Mr Mugford hit him on the head. Mr Mugford said it was a “playful” and “light-hearted” gesture.

Four months later Mr Mugford was dismissed for gross misconduct following a complaint by a parent, an independent investigation by Torfaen councillor Brian Mawby and a disciplinary hearing with governors.

Mrs Gwyer-Roberts said: “He was not a popular teacher. In the past I suspect he was very able but the rResults were steadily declining and the department had been under investigation for inadequate teaching.

“I could imagine [these pupils] were being chopsy,” she said. “His patience was diminishing.”

Mr Mugford later started supply work at Oasis Academy in Bristol, through the agency New Directions Education Ltd.

On April 20, 2012, a student said Mr Mugford threatened him, saying: “If there’s one kid in the world I would like to punch, it’s you.”

Mr Mugford said the child was misbehaving and waving a metal bar around.

He denied all allegations but conceded contact may have taken place, said presenting officer Rosa Fernandez.

The panel found the allegations against three Caldicot pupils proved and that he had threatened a pupil in Bristol.

They said Mr Mugford’s actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and the committee imposed a suspension order with conditions, removing him from the Register of Qualified Teachers in Wales for nine months.

Before being re-admitted he must successfully complete a programme of training.

Committee member Tim Hill said that while serious, Mr Mugford’s behaviour was not fundamentally incompatible with being a registered teacher.

He has the right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days.