Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Head tells pupils why he had pornography

Jason Bennetto Crime Correspondent
Friday 17 September 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A HEADMASTER held a school assembly yesterday to explain to his pupils - including his son - why he had a briefcase full of sex aids, pornographic magazines and videos.

The pornography, some involving gay sex, was found after burglars broke into the study of Bryan Purvis, 52, head of William Hulme Grammar School in Manchester. The material was turned out when thieves ransacked the room.

Mr Purvis, who is married, told his pupils, including son David, 17, that he bought the goods after suffering reduced "sexual competence" from medication for depression. "They were very surprised if not a little shocked," he said later.

He told them he had never behaved improperly in his relationships and that the matters were private and did not affect his professional duties.

Mr Purvis, who also has two daughters, wrote to parents of the 800 pupils asking for their understanding. The governors of the pounds 5,000-a- year school meet on Tuesday to discuss his future.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in