Jeff Jones says he is disappointed at the commissioner's decision

Children's Commissioner Peter Clarke decided to refer the matter as a possible contempt of court.

The Bridgend council leader had criticised the conduct of the Clywch inquiry, set up to look into into allegations of child abuse by the former drama teacher John Owen.

Mr Owen committed suicide two years ago shortly before he was to stand trial over allegations by former pupils of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, Pontypridd.

Mr Jones said the inquiry which was launched into the matter was a "witch-hunt" and a "farce"

On Thursday, at a special hearing, Mr Clarke decided to report Mr Jones for possible contempt of court.

The inquiry had been examining allegations of abuse by teacher John Owen, who committed suicide two years ago shortly before he was to stand trial over allegations by former pupils of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, Pontypridd.

Mr Jones had attacked the conduct of the inquiry and accused parents of the alleged victims of putting the Welsh language before the welfare of their children.

He wrote to Mr Clarke and to First Minister Rhodri Morgan, expressing his serious misgivings about the way the Clywch inquiry was being run.

It was later suggested that this was an attempt to unduly influence Mr Clarke.

Mr Clarke ruled that letters Mr Jones sent him and First Minister Rhodri Morgan should be referred to the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith.

Penalties for such an offence include an unlimited fine or two years in jail.

John Owen killed himself before a sex abuse trial could begin

Mr Jones, who had apologised after sending the letters, did not attend the hearing but was represented by his lawyer.

He said he was disappointed and will now seek further legal advice.

The councillor announced he was to step down from local government earlier this month and he is also relinquishing the chairmanship of the examination board the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) later this year.

Parents of Mr Owen's alleged victims had previously told BBC Wales' Dragon's Eye programme they were disgusted by Mr Jones' attack on them.

They said they might still sue him for libel - despite having been given an apology.

"As far as we were concerned, the inquiry was over, so we were flabbergasted when we had this news," said one parent.

"When we saw the content of the letter, we were absolutely disgusted."

Mr Jones admitted to BBC Wales last week that he sometimes used "intemperate language", but denied he was guilty of contempt over his written comments.