MICHAEL PAGE FROM HULL AND WILLERBY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE REVELATION
| Red Rose Database
Hull Willerby Child Sexual Abuser
In October 2011, a disturbing case involving Michael Page, a man with strong ties to Hull and Willerby, unfolded in the criminal justice system. The former deputy headteacher, who once held a prominent position at Tweendykes Special School, was found guilty of serious sexual offenses committed over two decades ago. Despite the gravity of his actions, Page was spared immediate imprisonment, thanks largely to a plea made by his victim during the court proceedings.
Michael Page, aged 54 at the time, had previously served as a deputy headteacher at Tweendykes Special School, an institution dedicated to caring for children aged 3 to 16 with various special needs. His involvement with the school was ongoing when the allegations surfaced, casting a dark shadow over his career and reputation. Prior to his role at the school, Page was also known for his musical talents, serving as a choirmaster at St. Luke’s Church in Willerby, a community where he was well known.
The criminal investigation revealed that Page had committed sexual assaults against a teenage boy more than 20 years earlier. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, took the courageous step of contacting the police to prevent Page from continuing to work with children. During the court hearing at Hull Crown Court, the victim provided a heartfelt victim impact statement, expressing the long-lasting emotional scars inflicted by Page’s actions. He stated, “My intention to bring Michael Page to the authorities’ attention was to seek the removal of him from working with children. I have lived with uncomfortable and misplaced guilt and deep bouts of confusion for 25 years, knowing I should have the courage to act and confront him or bring him to the attention of the authorities. His actions blighted my early teenage years, which should have been carefree.”
Interestingly, the victim also appealed for understanding and compassion, emphasizing that he believed Page did not choose to have these perverse desires but had acted on them multiple times. He expressed hope that Page would receive treatment for his behavior rather than face imprisonment, stating, “Help and counselling would be more helpful than punishment.”
When arrested, Page reportedly told detectives that he had been waiting for law enforcement to come for him for decades. His arrest led to his dismissal from Tweendykes School in February of that year. Investigations uncovered that Page had downloaded a total of 813 indecent images and films of children, some as young as 8, while working at the school. Specifically, since 2004, he had acquired 487 indecent images and 326 pornographic videos involving minors.
Page pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and seven counts of making and possessing indecent images. He was subsequently sentenced to a three-year community order and was ordered to attend the Northumbria Sex Offender Treatment Programme. Additionally, Judge John Dowse emphasized that Page was fortunate to avoid prison, citing the victim’s plea as a significant factor in his decision. The judge condemned Page’s actions, stating, “You abused this boy’s innocence because of your own desires. He trusted you, and behind it all was your desire to be more familiar with him. Over a period of time, you effectively ruined him. Nothing excuses this appalling behaviour and abuse of trust.”
As part of his sentence, Page was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, was banned from working with children, and prohibited from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 16. His barrister, Anil Murray, revealed that Page had been made bankrupt following his loss of employment. Paul Dyson from Hull Safeguarding Board commented on the case, highlighting the importance of swift justice and the challenges in uncovering historical abuse cases, especially when victims feel unable to report their experiences. He praised the prompt response once allegations emerged, reaffirming the commitment of authorities to protect vulnerable children from predators like Michael Page.
Michael Page, aged 54 at the time, had previously served as a deputy headteacher at Tweendykes Special School, an institution dedicated to caring for children aged 3 to 16 with various special needs. His involvement with the school was ongoing when the allegations surfaced, casting a dark shadow over his career and reputation. Prior to his role at the school, Page was also known for his musical talents, serving as a choirmaster at St. Luke’s Church in Willerby, a community where he was well known.
The criminal investigation revealed that Page had committed sexual assaults against a teenage boy more than 20 years earlier. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, took the courageous step of contacting the police to prevent Page from continuing to work with children. During the court hearing at Hull Crown Court, the victim provided a heartfelt victim impact statement, expressing the long-lasting emotional scars inflicted by Page’s actions. He stated, “My intention to bring Michael Page to the authorities’ attention was to seek the removal of him from working with children. I have lived with uncomfortable and misplaced guilt and deep bouts of confusion for 25 years, knowing I should have the courage to act and confront him or bring him to the attention of the authorities. His actions blighted my early teenage years, which should have been carefree.”
Interestingly, the victim also appealed for understanding and compassion, emphasizing that he believed Page did not choose to have these perverse desires but had acted on them multiple times. He expressed hope that Page would receive treatment for his behavior rather than face imprisonment, stating, “Help and counselling would be more helpful than punishment.”
When arrested, Page reportedly told detectives that he had been waiting for law enforcement to come for him for decades. His arrest led to his dismissal from Tweendykes School in February of that year. Investigations uncovered that Page had downloaded a total of 813 indecent images and films of children, some as young as 8, while working at the school. Specifically, since 2004, he had acquired 487 indecent images and 326 pornographic videos involving minors.
Page pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and seven counts of making and possessing indecent images. He was subsequently sentenced to a three-year community order and was ordered to attend the Northumbria Sex Offender Treatment Programme. Additionally, Judge John Dowse emphasized that Page was fortunate to avoid prison, citing the victim’s plea as a significant factor in his decision. The judge condemned Page’s actions, stating, “You abused this boy’s innocence because of your own desires. He trusted you, and behind it all was your desire to be more familiar with him. Over a period of time, you effectively ruined him. Nothing excuses this appalling behaviour and abuse of trust.”
As part of his sentence, Page was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, was banned from working with children, and prohibited from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 16. His barrister, Anil Murray, revealed that Page had been made bankrupt following his loss of employment. Paul Dyson from Hull Safeguarding Board commented on the case, highlighting the importance of swift justice and the challenges in uncovering historical abuse cases, especially when victims feel unable to report their experiences. He praised the prompt response once allegations emerged, reaffirming the commitment of authorities to protect vulnerable children from predators like Michael Page.