Matthew Hargreaves, a headteacher who has admitted child indecent image offences, ran services and groups at his local church, it can be revealed. Hargreaves admitted three counts of making indecent images of children relating to offences between April 2021 and May this year - a period of time when he was principal of King's Northway Primary Academy in Wavertree. He also denies a charge of taking an indecent image of a child and will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on July 27. The ECHO understands that none of the particulars of the charges relate to his time at the school.
Church Involvement and Suspension
A source told the ECHO that Hargreaves was "heavily involved" at St Nicholas' and St Mary's Church in the Halewood parish. The source said the 47-year-old "would preach at the church and be a very visible member involved in lots of things". The ECHO has seen documents which say Hargreaves, of Halewood but with a court address of Deepdale Avenue in Rochdale, has held roles at the church including acting chair, lay chair and reader. We have also seen YouTube footage from the church showing Hargreaves appearing to lead morning worship.
The Diocese of Liverpool, which covers the Halewood church, told the ECHO that it was aware of Hargreaves' charges and had suspended him from church-related activity. A spokesperson for the Diocese said: "As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, immediate safeguarding action was taken. This included suspending the individual from any church-related role or activity while statutory investigations continue. We understand the concern this news will cause. Based on the information available to us, we are not aware of any allegations relating to the individual's involvement with the church, or to any church activity, children, young people, staff, volunteers or congregation members. We are liaising with the relevant authorities and following Church of England safeguarding procedures. As this matter is now subject to ongoing police and court proceedings, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further."
School Response and Suspension
The ECHO broke the news of Hargreaves' arrest and charge on Wednesday this week after a letter from the school to parents and carers was leaked. The school's acting principal, Mark Newton, 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 continued: "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."
And in a further statement Shane Ierston, chief executive of Great Schools Trust, which includes King's Northway Primary, told the ECHO: "As soon as we learned of Matthew Hargreaves' 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 well-being of our students and staff remain our main priority, and we are offering any support they may need at this difficult time."
Legal Context and Police Comment
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. It carries a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment. The nature of the charges against Hargreaves have not been specified at this time.
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. 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." The spokesperson added: "If you have been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve."
