KENNETH SAVAGE FROM WARRINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN SCHOOL AND LAKE DISTRICT TRIPS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Warrington, Kenneth Savage, a former head teacher, has been sentenced to prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against young pupils during the 1970s. Savage, aged 66 and residing on Barnes Avenue in Fearnhead, was handed a maximum sentence of six years after he pleaded guilty to a total of 29 counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child, along with one count of attempted buggery.

The proceedings at Warrington Crown Court revealed that the majority of Savage’s offenses targeted four young victims, whose ages ranged from seven to 15 at the time of the abuse. These assaults took place in various locations within the school premises where Savage was employed, including school toilets, a gym store, during sex education lessons, in a music room, amid physical education classes, and within the school library. The court heard that Savage would sexually touch the boys during these incidents, exploiting his position of authority and trust.

Further disturbing details emerged about Savage’s abuse outside the school environment. He was also accused of abusing children in his car and during a school trip to the Lake District, a popular outdoor destination that many families and schools visit for educational and recreational purposes. The court was informed that Savage’s criminal conduct extended over several years, with the attempted buggery involving a boy aged between nine and 11 occurring between 1972 and 1975. The same victim was subjected to similar attempts on two other occasions, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior.

Detective Constable Jackie Daniels commented on the case, stating, “Savage preyed on his young victims when they were in his duty of care. He was in a position of trust which he abused for his own advantage and has affected the victims for the rest of their lives.” She emphasized the importance of the victims’ courage in coming forward and expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some closure. Daniels also urged other victims of past abuse to come forward, reassuring them that the police have dedicated resources and specialist officers to investigate such cases, regardless of when the offenses occurred.

In a related case from October 2014, Savage, then aged 65 and still residing on Barnes Avenue, pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to 30 counts of child abuse. This earlier case detailed how Savage had engaged in a campaign of sexual touching and attempted abuse of four boys over an eight-year period, from 1972 to 1978, while working as a teacher in Warrington. The abuse was carried out both on school grounds—such as toilets, gym stores, during lessons, and in the library—and outside of school, including in his car and during trips to the Lake District.

During the 2014 court appearance, Savage appeared wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and glasses, maintaining a stoic expression as he pleaded guilty to each count. It was also revealed that Savage had previously been prosecuted in 1984 for similar offenses. He claimed that he had intended to disclose additional victims at that time but was prevented from doing so by police instructions. His defense attorney, Michael Davies, stated that Savage had provided police with the names of some victims but was told to stop after ten names, as authorities believed they had enough evidence to convict him. Davies suggested that Savage would have continued to confess if not for the police’s intervention.

Judge Roger Dutton ordered a pre-sentence report before sentencing Savage, with the next hearing scheduled for November 3 at Chester Crown Court. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims of child abuse, regardless of the passage of time, and highlights the importance of victims’ bravery in seeking justice against those who abuse their trust.