Ken Wells

Ken Wells, aged 76 from Bracken Dale in Leicester, was convicted at Norwich Crown Court of three counts of indecent assault committed in the 1970s at the former Sheringham Court School in Norfolk. The offences involved a male victim under the age of 16, whom Wells exploited while in a position of trust as housefather.

The trial lasted eight days, and Wells was sentenced to six years' imprisonment by Judge Catherine Moore. She remarked, 'You exploited the opportunity to satisfy your own sexual gratifications... your duty was to protect the children at the school.' The judge further noted, 'Your victim has been profoundly affected in his life.' Wells was acquitted of four other counts of indecent assault, three of which were unrelated to Sheringham Court School.

Sheringham Court School, opened in 1975 as a boarding school for boys with behavioural issues, closed around 1980 and relocated to Lincolnshire as Thurlby Manor, operating until 1983. The case formed part of Operation Alamo, launched by Norfolk Constabulary's child abuse investigation unit in November 2012 following allegations from a former pupil. Investigating officer DC Tristan Coull stated, 'Wells in addition abused his position of trust at Sheringham Court and failed in his duty to ensure his victim was safe.'

Detective Inspector Andy Coller, who led the investigation, emphasised the victims' courage: 'It has taken an enormous amount of courage for each victim to talk about the abuse, abuse they have had to live with for decades. It is pleasing that the passing of some 40 years has not hindered the legal process and that Greenhalgh and Wells have both been jailed for these crimes.' The investigation confirmed assaults by Wells and another staff member, highlighting how those in authority preyed on vulnerable boys.