Ex-colleagues say child abuse accused was "fun-loving" teacher (From Times Series)

Ex-colleagues say former Barnet teacher David Griffiths accused of child abuse was "fun-loving"

4:50pm Monday 9th January 2012 in News By Natalie O'Neill

A MARRIED man who has been accused of child abuse has been described as a “fun loving” and “friendly” teacher by former colleagues.

Susan Wilkey and Barbara Probert are former colleagues of David Griffiths, 50, who is facing child sex abuse charges at Wood Green Crown Court.

Speaking about Mr Griffiths as a teacher, Mrs Wilkey told the court: “I wouldn’t say he was very strict. He was fun loving and enjoyed a joke with the children. It was quite a happy and relaxed atmosphere in David’s classroom.”

Mr Griffiths has denied all charges brought by three men who were pupils at a school where he used to teach. He has taught at four junior schools in Barnet and Harrow.

Recalling one of the complainants as a child, Mrs Wilkey said: “He struck me as an angry child – somewhat disturbed. The first time I came across him when I was took into a classroom, he barked at me and growled like a dog, which I did find very strange.”

Speaking about another complainant, Mrs Probert said: “He would take a punishment and then his mother would come back and defend him and give a different story to what happened.”

Describing Mr Griffiths at work, she said: “He was friendly. He was helpful. He was fun in the staffroom.”

When asked if he was tactile, she replied: “All junior school teachers are going to touch children at some time – pat them on the shoulder and get them along. He was no more tactile than other teachers.”

Mr Griffiths, of Thistlecroft Gardens, Stanmore, was suspended as deputy head of a school in Harrow Weald in April 2010 following allegations made the previous month and was arrested the following June. The alleged offences do not relate to his time in Harrow Weald.

Mr Griffiths is a scout leader and is involved in the Greater London and Middlesex West (GLMW) Scouts. He also told the court he is a rock-climbing instructor, a canoeing instructor and is learning to play the guitar.

The trial continues.