A MAN who admitted two counts of making indecent images of a child has been dismissed from his role as chaplain of a Llandudno school.

Samuel Erlandson, 36, from Ruabon, was chaplain at private school St David’s College.

He pleaded guilty to both charges at Mold Magistrates’ Court on November 23, and will be sentenced at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on December 30.

St David's College said it was told by police that the charges do not involve any of its pupils.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are deeply shocked and distressed by the news that Samuel Erlandson has admitted committing these deplorable offences. 

“When we were told about his arrest we immediately took steps to ensure he had no further engagement with the school community, and as soon as we heard he had pleaded guilty, we dismissed him from his role.

“We are unable to comment further as legal proceedings remain underway until he is sentenced on December 30.”

The Church in Wales said it is “appalled and saddened” by the “serious offences” of Erlandson, who has been granted bail.

A statement from the Church in Wales read: “Our prayers are with the victims in this case, and all victims of abuse.

“The Church in Wales’ safeguarding team has worked closely with the police and the statutory authorities in recent days.

“Immediately following his arrest, Mr Erlandson’s permission to officiate as a cleric was removed.

“Once the criminal proceedings have concluded, the Church in Wales Disciplinary Tribunal will consider further appropriate action.

“There is no place for any form of abuse in the Church in Wales. We give the highest priority to the care and protection of children and vulnerable people in our communities.

“To this end, we regularly review our safeguarding procedures and provide extensive training to staff and volunteers.

“We encourage anyone with safeguarding concerns to contact a member of our team via the Church in Wales website.”

Previously, Erlandson was appointed Aberconwy Mission Area leader in September 2020, and served as vicar at St Paul’s Church in Craig-y-Don and St Hilary’s in Llanrhos.