LEE SAVAGE FROM PENRITH AVOIDS PRISON AFTER SENDING INDECENT PICTURES TO 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In September 2014, a disturbing case involving Lee Savage, aged 22, from Penrith, came to light when he engaged in a troubling online communication with a 13-year-old girl he met on Facebook. The interaction lasted for a week, during which Savage repeatedly asked the girl to keep their messages confidential. The situation escalated when her father discovered the messages on her device, revealing not only the private conversations but also two sexually explicit photographs that Savage had sent her.

Prosecutor Joe Allman addressed Carlisle Crown Court, explaining that Savage had initiated contact with the girl in November of the previous year. At the time, Savage believed the girl was 14 years old. The court was told that Savage and the girl exchanged details about their daily routines, but Savage’s responses quickly turned sexualized, indicating a clear inappropriate interest.

Following Savage’s arrest, he confessed to police that his actions were foolish and that he had not intended to meet the girl in person. “He admitted that he would never have gone through with meeting her,” Mr. Allman stated. Despite this, the court heard that Savage’s behavior was highly concerning and indicative of a serious breach of trust and boundaries.

Defence lawyer Roger Baldwin argued that Savage’s conduct occurred during a period when he was not himself, citing his history of low moods since the age of 16. Baldwin explained that Savage had sought medical advice from his general practitioner before his arrest, and medication was considered but ultimately not taken because Savage was reluctant to start antidepressants. Baldwin emphasized that Savage had since made efforts to change his mindset and had begun a relationship with an 18-year-old girl, demonstrating remorse for his previous actions.

Judge Peter Hughes QC addressed the court, condemning Savage’s behavior as “wholly inappropriate,” especially given his awareness of the girl’s age. The judge remarked that Savage must have known that engaging in sexualized conversations with a girl of that age was unacceptable. Despite the severity of the misconduct, the judge expressed the belief that Savage was more likely to benefit from support and rehabilitation outside of prison.

As a result, Savage was sentenced to a 36-month community order, which includes supervision and mandatory participation in a sex offenders’ programme. Additionally, he will be reported to a safeguarding authority and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years. He is also subject to a sexual offending prevention order that prohibits him from contacting girls under 16 and from using internet-connected devices that do not record search history, aiming to prevent any future offending behavior.