Former Liverpool primary school headteacher Mathew Hargreaves has admitted taking an indecent image of a child. Hargreaves, 48, had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, offences dated between April 11, 2021 and May 3 this year.
Guilty plea at Liverpool Crown Court
Hargreaves, of Halewood but most recently of Deepdale Avenue in Rochdale, had initially denied the charge of taking an indecent image and had been due to face a three-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court in December. But appearing before the same court on Thursday, Hargreaves admitted the charge, the particulars being he took an indecent category C image of a child on August 12, 2020.
Hargreaves, who appeared in court via video link from HMP Liverpool sporting greying hair and a purple polo shirt with the prison's name embroidered on it, will be sentenced on October 23.
Judge's remarks and sentencing
Further remanding him in custody until that date, Judge Stuart Driver KC said: "You have been advised well by your counsel. I have seen the photograph and I think any jury would consider that to be indecent."
The judge ordered a pre-sentence report because Hargreaves, represented in court by Paul Becker, had no previous convictions. He added: "All sentencing options are open."
School response
Hargreaves was suspended from his role as principal of King's Northway Primary Academy in Wavertree following his arrest. The school's acting principal, Mark Newton, previously told parents and carers that the offences did not relate to Hargreaves' employment at the school.
In a letter seen by the ECHO, Mr Newton said: "As soon as we were informed of his arrest several weeks ago by police colleagues, he was immediately suspended from his role as principal as part of robust local authority and Great Schools Trust safeguarding procedures."
Shane Ierston, chief executive of Great Schools Trust, which includes King's Northway Primary Academy, told the ECHO: "As soon as we learned of Mathew Hargreaves' arrest earlier this year, he was suspended from his role at [the school]."
"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."
Background and investigation
The ECHO understands Hargreaves had been principal of the school since 2019. Following his arrest, the school removed all references of him from its website, newsletters and social media.
Hargreaves was "heavily involved" at St Nicholas' and St Mary's Church in the Halewood parish and "would preach at the church and be a very visible member", a source told the ECHO. He had roles at the church that included acting chair, lay chair and reader, meanwhile YouTube footage showed him appearing to lead morning worship.
The ECHO previously reported that a woman, in her 40s and from the Liverpool area, was arrested in connection with the same investigation. Merseyside Police arrested her on suspicion of intentionally encouraging/assisting the commission of an either way offence, before she was released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO: "Our specialist online child abuse investigations team continues to progress extensive and thorough enquiries into this matter."
The force added: "Please note that a live investigation is ongoing and people are reminded to refrain from publishing any information on social media platforms which may impact on the investigation. This includes the publication of any names, photographs or personal details."
The spokesperson said: "We are working with partner agencies to ensure all necessary safeguarding measures are taken...If you have been a victim of a sexual offence or have concerns for someone you know, call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers. In an emergency, always call 999."
