MELVYN SAVAGE OF CHELTENHAM JAILED FOR 15 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

In October 2011, a 46-year-old man from Cheltenham, Melvyn Savage, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a young girl. Savage, of Bafford Lane, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, initially started by kissing the girl and then proceeded to molest her, as alleged by the prosecution at Gloucester Crown Court. The court heard that he continued to repeatedly rape her.

Savage denied two counts of indecently assaulting the girl, two counts of indecency with a child, four counts of raping her, and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. However, the jury unanimously found him guilty of all charges.

Judge William Hart sentenced Savage to a total of 15 years in prison, describing his actions as "the most dreadful abuse". The judge stated, "It started with kissing and it progressed to a wide variety of sexual activity, including rape. This case is within the highest category of rape offences. It is impossible to imagine that this young girl has lied, and the jury's verdict clearly indicates they did not believe that to be a reasonable possibility."

During the sentencing, Savage was seen in tears and shook his head as he looked at the jury. The judge also ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for life and prohibited him from working with children.

At the start of the trial, prosecutor Ian Dixey told the jury that Savage had told the girl she must keep what happened a secret, but eventually the matter was reported to the police. The initial charge of indecent assault concerned kissing, followed by inappropriate touching, and ultimately led to rape convictions.

The young girl testified that Savage’s actions caused her physical and emotional pain, stating, "It made me feel really dirty and like it shouldn't be happening. It was horrible and hurt a lot."