Ex-deputy head of Somerset school faces sex charges

The former deputy head teacher of a Somerset school has been charged with nine sexually motivated assaults, and two firearm offences.

Philip Walker, 60, retired two years ago from Brymore School, a state-run boys-only boarding and day school.

He is charged with two counts of sexual assault against a male and seven sexual assaults against girls aged under 16 years.

The charges are understood to relate to more than one school.

Mr Walker is also charged with possession of a hand gun and the sale or transfer of a firearm.

A second Brymore teacher, 51-year-old David Allibone, is charged with the possession and supply of a prohibited weapon.

Both have been granted bail and are due to appear at Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court on 22 June.

Brymore, near Bridgwater, is a 176-pupil school teaching boys aged between 13-17 and places emphasis on rural skills.

Current head Malcolm Lloyd has been suspended during an inquiry into alleged failures in procedures for safeguarding children.

Chair of governors Barbara Drakeford said Mr Lloyd's suspension was a "neutral act".