Johnathan Morgan

Johnathan Morgan, a 35-year-old primary school teacher from Newport, was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court of sexual offences involving a teenage girl. The court heard that in 2023, Morgan initiated contact with the girl using his school email address, despite being fully aware of her age and the inappropriateness of his actions given his professional role.

Prosecutor Ieuan Bennett detailed how Morgan's communications escalated quickly. After adding each other on social media, Morgan boasted about his connections to celebrities, including snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan and footballers, as well as his involvement in a band, media appearances, and sports achievements with Newport County AFC. These claims appeared designed to impress the teenager and build rapport.

• Morgan pressured the girl to send him personal photos, initially receiving a photoshopped bikini image via Snapchat, which he dismissed as fake.
• He persisted in demanding genuine photos, leading her to comply after repeated pestering.
• In reciprocation, Morgan sent explicit images, including one of his penis, which he later claimed was accidental.
• He further sent videos of himself performing sexual acts in the bath and on the sofa.

The jury found Morgan guilty of two counts of causing a child aged 13 to 17 to watch a sexual act and one count of inciting sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17. He was acquitted of sexual assault and causing a female aged 13 or over to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity. Judge Richard Kember deferred sentencing pending a pre-sentence report, remanding Morgan on bail until a hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on 26 February 2026.

The case, reported by Wales Online court correspondent Philip Dewey on 13 January 2026, highlighted the grooming tactics employed by Morgan, who had 'taken a shine' to the girl despite knowing her age. South Wales Police investigated the matter, leading to Morgan's arrest and trial.