A FORMER teacher faces prison after he admitted abusing pupils while working at a school in Romsey.

Pensioner Hubert Francis Hallman pleaded guilty to four charges of indecent assault on a boy under 16 years old when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

The 82-year-old, now of Highfield Lane, St Albans, was a teacher at Stroud School, in Romsey, at the time of the offences in the 1960s.

Hallman was given unconditional bail by magistrates and told to be at Southampton Crown Court on January 11 to be sentenced.

He was also ordered to register with police as part of the Sexual Offences Act, for a period to will be determined at his next hearing.

Previously, Joel Worrall, current headmaster at the independent co-educational preparatory school, said: “We are all appalled by the news that a former teacher of the school from the 1960s has been charged with indecent assault and our thoughts are with the victim.

“Although the offences date back some 50 years when the school was under different ownership, hearing our good school name alongside these historic allegations is very upsetting.

“We extend our sympathies to those affected by this and admire their courage for reporting the issues to the authorities.”

He added: “There is no place in society for any form of abuse, particularly by those in positions of power, trust and authority.”

The school changed ownership in 2012 and it is a member of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, a schools’ association with 700 prep schools in membership.

Mr Worrall said: “We have been working closely with the police to support this investigation as best we can, bearing in mind the extended passage of time and the change of ownership in 2012.

“So whilst I am unfortunately unable to shed much light on what happened before 2012, I can confidently say that safeguarding is without question the number one priority at Stroud School and every care is taken to ensure that we provide a safe, secure and well-regulated educational environment for our pupils.”

Parents at the school have been informed and have praised the way the school dealt with the news.

Nick Adams-King, deputy council leader at Test Valley Borough Council, whose daughter attends Stroud , said: “Parents were informed by the school and we are being supported. I have confidence in the school and I think they have dealt with it perfectly.

“It was a long time ago. But if anybody is around that can add to this investigation is important they come forward and receive the help they might need.”