Former Norfolk headmaster warned he could face life in prison for sex offences against boys

A former headmaster from Norfolk who preyed on boarding school pupils for sex has been warned he could face life in prison.

Bryan Greenhalgh, 63, of Suffield, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery at Norwich Crown Court, Norfolk Police said.

The charges related to eight male victims under the age of 16.

The majority of the offences took place at two former independent schools in north Norfolk and Lincolnshire between 1976 and 1984.

Judge Nicholas Coleman warned Greenhalgh there was a "real risk" of a life sentence being imposed at the next hearing in May.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Tristan Coull said:

"Greenhalgh is a dangerous individual who exploited his position as headmaster to win over the trust of the boys in his care and subjected them to horrendous abuse.

"He clearly preyed on boys who were at their most vulnerable and who at the time of the abuse felt unable to speak out as he appeared to be an upstanding pillar of the community.

"Through the position he held, it would have been the most basic of expectations to protect these children, instead he chose to do the complete opposite."

Greenhalgh was remanded in custody.