Cardiff University lecturer suspended amid claims of sex with students

A lecturer at Cardiff University has been suspended until further notice, after allegations surfaced claiming he had boasted about having sex with several students.

TW: Sexual Assault 

An investigation is taking place regarding the allegations made on social media. However, the lecturer claims he is the victim of a hoax with false allegations being posted by an anonymous user. The lecturer has reported the anonymous posts to the police. 

WalesOnline reported seeing a profile on the ‘Kik’ instant messaging app which had the lecturer’s picture, sending messages to the anonymous user.

In some messages, the person boasts about engaging in sexual relationships with a “few students”.

Following a meeting with the member of staff this afternoon, a formal investigation into these allegations has been launched

– Cardiff University spokesperson 

The Kik account’s display photo appears to be the lecturer, with further photographs of the lecturer’s likeness being sent to the anonymous user when asked to confirm his identity.

Kik is an anonymous messaging service, requiring only an email address and name to create an account. The account in question has been active for over 2000 days.

A separate account made on the forum website, Reddit, has also generated similar messages regarding sexual activities with students being ongoing for “years”.

The Cardiff branch of the UCU Union said: “Cardiff UCU continues to actively support those affected by recent events on social media.”

A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “Following a meeting with the member of staff this afternoon, a formal investigation into these allegations has been launched. As a consequence, the individual member of staff will not be undertaking any teaching activities, until further notice. It would be inappropriate to offer any further comment until the outcome of the investigation is known.”

A man, currently released on bail, was arrested on suspicion of grooming on 17 April, South Wales Police has confirmed. Enquiries are on-going.