A Horsford doctor has been warned he faces a substantial term of imprisonment after he admitted sexual offences involving two girls under 16.

Hugh Blaise O'Neill, 61, from Tasburgh, South Norfolk, pleaded guilty to rape and gross indecency charges relating to one victim under 16 and one charge of gross indecency involving a second girl under 16.

The charges date from the early 1990s to early 2000 and do not relate to his professional role . However he has been suspended from general practice by local NHS managers.

O'Neill, who was casually dressed in a blue jumper and striped shirt, spoke only to confirm his name and pleas during yesterday's plea and case management hearing at Norwich Crown Court.

The case was adjourned for full reports and he is due to be sentenced on January 30.

Judge Anthony Bate said that with his guilty pleas O'Neill must now sign on as a sex offender.

He also warned him that he faced a 'substantial term of imprisonment.'

After the hearing former patients of the doctor, who worked at a practice in Horsford, spoke of their shock at his conviction.

One man, who did not want to be named said O'Neill was a brilliant doctor who was very popular, but now faced disgrace.

'Everyone is shocked and it is sad that his career has come to an end in this way.'

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