SCHOOL PRINCIPAL BRYAN GREENHALGH AND COLLEAGUE KENNETH WELLS SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN NORFOLK AND LINCOLNSHIRE

In June 2014, Bryan Greenhalgh, a 63-year-old former school principal, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the sexual abuse of eight boys over a decade. The abuse occurred at Sheringham Court School in Norfolk and Thurlby Manor in Lincolnshire during the 1970s and 1980s. Norwich Crown Court heard that one victim described the abuse as "incessant," with another victim's impact statement stating, "You are damaged and you damaged me. You are evil and you don’t belong in society." Judge Nicholas Coleman ordered Greenhalgh to serve a minimum of three years in prison, after which he could be released only if deemed low risk; if released, he will remain on licence for life. The sentencing followed the conviction of Kenneth Wells, 76, of Bracken Dale, Leicester, for three counts of indecent assault against a boy in the 1970s, resulting in a six-year prison term; Wells was acquitted of four other charges. Wells served as a "house parent" at Sheringham Court School. Greenhalgh, from Suffield, Norfolk, had previously admitted 13 counts of indecent assault and one serious sexual assault. The offences spanned from 1976 to 1986 and involved seven boys aged between 12 and 15, as well as another boy met through a Christian fellowship in Norwich. Sheringham Court School was described as a boarding school for "unruly" boys, with Greenhalgh overseeing care at night and weekends. One victim recounted how Greenhalgh repeatedly entered his dormitory at night smelling of alcohol and indecently assaulted him. The same victim was also assaulted by Wells, who told him it was "normal" and instructed him not to speak out. Despite the victim reporting the abuse, the school took no action. All five victims from Sheringham Court described similar experiences, often after going to bed, with Greenhalgh abusing them. Greenhalgh later assaulted two boys at Thurlby Manor, where he served as principal and had a residential care role, and another boy aged 12 to 14 in Norwich. The court revealed Greenhalgh received a three-month prison sentence in 1983 for indecent assaults on three boys at Thurlby Manor. Both Thurlby Manor and Sheringham Court have since closed. Judge Coleman criticized Greenhalgh, stating, "You could have confessed your crimes then and been dealt with," and emphasized the harm caused, saying, "You cannot understand the untold harm you have done to these boys as they have gone into adulthood. It’s clear they have suffered severe psychological harm. You are a dangerous person." Meanwhile, Judge Katharine Moore sentenced Kenneth Wells, noting that the victim had his "childhood stripped from him in a gross and violent way" and suffered "misery and self-loathing" as a result. She stated, "Your duty was to protect vulnerable children but instead you exploited that for your own sexual gratification." In March 2014, Greenhalgh admitted to 13 counts of indecent assault and one serious sexual offence involving eight male victims under 16, primarily at Sheringham Court School and Thurlby Manor School during the 1970s and 80s. He was remanded to Norfolk County Jail to await sentencing scheduled for May 23, with Judge Coleman warning of a potential life sentence. Norfolk Constabulary’s Detective Constable Tristan Coull described Greenhalgh as "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," adding that Greenhalgh preyed on vulnerable boys who felt unable to speak out. Norfolk police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling child sexual abuse, supporting victims, and bringing offenders to justice. They encouraged anyone to report suspected abuse via their 101 number or through The Harbour Centre, Norfolk’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, offering 24/7 support at 0845 456 4810.