Teacher admits indecent assaults

A senior teacher at a Hampshire school has admitted a series of sex charges committed against a schoolgirl.

Peter Brown, 35, who is head of art at Henry Beaufort Comprehensive School in Winchester, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault.

He also admitted one count of abusing a position of trust while engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 16.

Adjourning the case for sentencing on 21 May, Judge Richard Pryor QC warned Brown he faced a possible jail term.

Suspended from school

The judge also ordered Brown, of North Acre, Longparish, near Andover, to sign on the sex offenders' register.

The offences themselves took place between June 2001 and August 2002, Winchester Crown Court was told on Monday.

Andy Houston, prosecuting, told the court that the offences were specimen charges.

The judge ordered two other charges of common assault on the schoolgirl and indecent assault on another girl, to which Brown had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing, to lie on file.

He added: "In the meanwhile, I will allow you to remain on bail as before.

"But I want to make it perfectly clear, as I'm sure you fully understand, that the court that sentences you will be almost bound to impose a custodial sentence."

Brown has been suspended from his position at the school.