A Liverpool headteacher is set to stand trial over child abuse images.
Matthew Hargreaves was formerly the principal of King’s Northway Primary Academy in Wavertree before his arrest earlier this month on the charges.
The 47-year-old from Rochdale was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to three counts of making category A, B and C indecent images of children.
All of the offences, which are not believed to involve pupils from the school itself, are claimed to have taken place between April 2021 and May this year.
But Hargreaves will go on trial later this year after denying an additional charge related to taking an indecent photo of a child on Monday (July 27).
He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link as it was confirmed he will face judicial proceedings expected to last three days from December 14.
King’s Northway acting principal Mark Newton wrote to parents and carers after news of Hargreaves’ arrest came to light in efforts to allay their fears.
“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,” he said at the time.
“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.”