PHILIP SAVAGE FROM CARLISLE AND LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD ABUSE CASES

In a case that has spanned decades and involved multiple locations across the northwest of England, Philip Savage, a 62-year-old former residential care worker, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young boys. Savage’s criminal history is extensive, with a previous 15-year sentence handed down in 1996 for abusing nine other boys at various care homes in the north west region.

During the sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, described Savage’s conduct as involving “paedophile depravity,” emphasizing the severity and depraved nature of his actions. The court heard that Savage, who has been residing at Cumberland Court in Denton Holme, Carlisle, had established a pattern of grooming and abusing his victims in a manner similar to his previous offenses. He had befriended the two boys, both of whom were minors at the time, and then subjected them to sexual abuse in a manner consistent with his past behavior.

One of the victims, who is now serving time for a double murder committed many years ago, recounted that Savage had abused him when he was just 11 and 12 years old. The victim also revealed that he had become aware of other staff members at Dyson Hall in Merseyside being involved in the sexual and physical abuse of boys during the period from 1979 to 1981. Dyson Hall, located in Fazakerley, was a residential special school for boys with emotional and behavioral difficulties, and it was here that the abuse took place.

The second victim shared how the trauma from Savage’s abuse had a lasting impact on his life, leaving him angry and distrustful of others for many years. He expressed a desire for closure and admitted that he wished he had come forward sooner, lamenting that he had kept his ordeal hidden for so long. Prosecutor Ben Jones highlighted that both victims had spoken out to seek justice and to prevent Savage from harming others again.

Throughout the trial, Savage maintained his innocence, denying a total of 12 sexual offenses related to the two victims. However, the jury, after deliberating for just over two hours, reached a unanimous verdict of guilt. Savage did not give evidence during the proceedings. The judge ordered that Savage’s name be entered on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

Additional context provided by child abuse advocacy groups revealed that Savage had sought counseling in 1974 at the age of 21, indicating an awareness of his problematic attractions. Court records showed that he was referred to a psychologist at that time. Despite this, he later secured employment as a residential care worker with Liverpool Social Services, where he continued to abuse children over several years, exploiting his position of trust and authority.

His long history of offending and the details of his abuse highlight the ongoing challenges faced by authorities and communities in addressing and preventing child sexual abuse, especially when perpetrators have a history of grooming and manipulation spanning many years.