PAUL MELVILLE SENTENCED IN WESTLEIGH FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG BOY

In a recent development that has shocked the local community of Westleigh, Paul Melville, the former headteacher of St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for serious sexual offences involving a young boy. The conviction was handed down by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court, where Melville was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault and three counts of gross indecency, all committed against a child aged between 12 and 15 years old.

Melville, who was 52 years old at the time of sentencing, had served as the headmaster of St Paul’s CE Primary School in Westleigh since 1990. His role extended beyond education, as he was also known for his involvement in the local religious community as a church choirmaster and organist, contributing to several churches including St James The Great in Haydock. His reputation in the community was that of a respected figure, which makes the allegations and subsequent conviction all the more shocking.

Following the allegations, Melville was immediately suspended from his position at the school. The offences, which occurred over a four-year period from March 7, 1986, to March 8, 1990, only came to light last year when the victim, fearing that Melville might target other children, reported the matter to the police. Prosecutor David Grey explained that the victim’s concerns prompted the investigation, leading to Melville’s arrest and trial.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Melville had no prior criminal record and had maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He claimed that the allegations were motivated by the victim’s desire for attention and financial gain. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty on all counts. As part of his sentence, Melville was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was banned from working with children indefinitely.

In response to the conviction, a spokesperson for Wigan Council clarified that Melville’s offences occurred during a period when he was not employed by the local authority and were unrelated to his role at St Paul’s Primary School. The school’s governors acted swiftly by suspending him once the allegations surfaced. The council assured the public that measures were in place to ensure the continued high standard of education for the children at the school during this period.

Furthermore, Jan Ainsworth, the Diocesan Director of Education for the Church of England, expressed her support for the school community. She emphasized that Melville’s criminal charges did not pertain to his duties as headteacher at St Paul’s CE Primary in Westleigh. She also extended her sympathies to the families and staff affected by this news, promising ongoing support and assistance in the coming weeks. The community now grapples with the aftermath of these disturbing revelations, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding children from harm.