Jeff Jones criticised the conduct of the Clywch inquiry

The accusations follow a letter sent by the leader of Bridgend Council, Jeff Jones, to the Children's Commissioner for Wales, Peter Clarke.

Mr Jones had criticised the conduct of a long-running child abuse inquiry.

However, Mr Clarke said he was "minded" to refer Mr Jones directly to the High Court himself over the matter.

The Bridgend council leader had criticised the conduct of the Clywch inquiry, set up to look into allegations of child abuse by the former Welsh language 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.

In January the Children's Commissioner Peter Clarke referred Jeff Jones to the Attorney General over a letter he had written about the Clywch inquiry.

'Scapegoat'

In his letter Mr Jones said former Mid Glamorgan education officials were being scapegoated

He accused parents of the children of keeping quiet about abuse allegations for fear of damaging the Welsh language - an accusation for which he later apologised.

Children's Commissioner Peter Clarke said he "is minded" to refer the leader directly to the High Court for contempt.

Mr Clarke said he expects to get final legal advice on Monday but anticipates that he will refer Mr Jones over the letter he wrote about the Clywch inquiry on child abuse.

He said he was acting to protect the commissioner's office and the integrity of the inquiry, and not being vindictive.

Meanwhile, Mr Jones said he had been told nothing officially about he attorney general's decision not to refer him to the High Court for contempt or Mr Clarke being "minded" to do so.

When he does, Mr Jones said he will consult his legal advisers and issue a statement, but for now he is not commenting on the matter.