Primary school headteacher charged with indecent images of children offences
Matthew Hargreaves, aged 47 and residing at Deepdale Avenue in Rochdale, has been charged with making category A, B and C indecent images of children, as well as an additional charge of taking category C indecent images of children. Hargreaves served as principal at King's Northway Primary Academy in Wavertree, Liverpool.
Shane Ierston, chief executive of Great Schools Trust which oversees King's Northway Primary, confirmed that "as soon as we learned of Matthew Hargreaves's arrest earlier this year he was suspended from his role at King's Northway Primary Academy." Ierston stated: "Since then we have been liaising with the relevant authorities. The offences do not relate to his employment at the school and as the matter is subject to ongoing court proceedings it would be inappropriate to make any further comment. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our main priority and we are offering any support they may need at this difficult time."
The charge of making an indecent image of children is not limited to physically taking a photograph and extends to downloading or saving an image or opening an email attachment. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. The precise nature of the allegations against Hargreaves has not yet been disclosed.
A police spokesperson told the ECHO: "Hargreaves remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance. Our specialist online child abuse investigations team continues to progress extensive and thorough enquiries into this matter. We are working with partner agencies to ensure all necessary safeguarding measures are taken."
Acting principal Mark Newton distributed a letter to parents on Wednesday stating that Hargreaves "was immediately suspended from his role as principal as part of robust local authority and Great Schools Trust safeguarding procedures." Newton repeatedly emphasised that "these charges do not involve students at King's Northway Primary Academy" and that "the safety and wellbeing of our pupils remain our highest priority." The school announced it is making support available to members of its community during this time.