The headteacher of a Liverpool primary school will stand trial in December charged with taking an indecent photograph of a child.
Mathew Hargreaves, 47, appeared via video link from prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (July 27) and entered a not guilty plea to the charge. The former headteacher of King’s Northway Primary Academy in Wavertree had previously pleaded guilty at a magistrates’ court last month to three counts of making indecent images.
Judge Simon Medland KC remanded Hargreaves in custody ahead of a trial scheduled for the week beginning December 14, expected to last three days. Hargreaves, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was suspended from his role following his arrest, and the allegations are understood not to involve children at the school.
School and trust respond
Earlier this month, King's Northway's acting principal Mark Newton informed parents and carers that the offences were unrelated to Hargreaves' employment. In a letter seen by the ECHO, he wrote: "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."
The letter added: "As the matter is subject to ongoing police and court proceedings, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time but please rest assured we are helping police with their investigation. 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. We understand that this news is concerning. Please be assured that the safety and wellbeing of our pupils remain our highest priority. During this time, we are making support available to any members of our school community who may need it."
Shane Ierston, chief executive of the Great Schools Trust which runs King's Northway Primary, said: "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. 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 wellbeing of our students and staff remain our main priority, and we are offering any support they may need at this difficult time."
