ANDRE SAVELL FROM BEARPARK CAUGHT WITH CHILD AND EXTREME PORNOGRAPHY NEAR DURHAM

In December 2012, Andre Savell, a civilian worker at Durham Prison, faced serious allegations after authorities uncovered disturbing material on his home computer. The investigation was initiated by the Gloucestershire police during an operation targeting internet-based pornography, which led to a search of Savell’s residence in Bearpark, a village near Durham.

During the subsequent examination of his computer equipment, authorities discovered a total of 464 indecent images of children. These images were classified mostly at a low severity level, but notably, six of them fell into a more serious category, indicating a higher level of concern. In addition to these, the police found 73 images depicting extreme pornography, including scenes of bestiality, which are considered particularly heinous and offensive.

Following his arrest and the evidence presented in court, Savell, who was described as a man of previously good character, faced the loss of his long-standing employment. He had worked for 25 years as a gardener at Durham Prison, a position he held with dedication until his arrest. The impact of his actions extended beyond his job, as he was also driven from his home in Bearpark after admitting to the offenses during a prior hearing.

During the court proceedings, Savell’s defense, represented by lawyer Paul Abrahams, emphasized that his client posed no real risk of harm to others. Abrahams explained that Savell’s initial curiosity about pornography escalated into viewing more extreme material, which he deeply regretted. The defense also presented character references from close friends, highlighting that Savell was generally considered a kind and non-violent individual. Abrahams urged the court to consider that Savell’s actions stemmed from a personal struggle and that he was unlikely to reoffend.

At 53 years old, Savell, now residing on West Road in Grange Villa near Chester-le-Street, pleaded guilty to multiple charges. These included 16 counts of making indecent images of a child, one count of possession of such images, and four counts of possessing extreme pornography. The court was informed that Savell’s offenses spanned from November 2009 to February 2012, with the 17th charge involving possession of 418 indecent images in a single “roll-up” count.

Judge Christopher Prince, after reviewing the evidence and character references, addressed Savell directly. He acknowledged that Savell appeared to be a vulnerable individual and noted that most people in similar cases deny any sexual interest in children. However, the judge appreciated Savell’s honesty in admitting his guilt, describing him as a “dirty pervert” in the pre-sentence report but also recognizing his genuine remorse, as evidenced by his disgust with himself.

In sentencing, Judge Prince imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. During this period, Savell will be required to attend a sex offender treatment program and register as a sex offender for the next seven years. Additionally, he was banned from working with children in any capacity, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses.

Earlier in November 2012, Savell’s criminal activities came to light during a court hearing where he admitted to possessing child and extreme pornography. The charges included 16 counts related to downloading indecent images, ranging from less to more severe levels, and a “roll-up” count of possessing 418 indecent images of children between November 2009 and February 2012. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing extreme pornography, which is considered highly offensive material.

His barrister requested a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, emphasizing that Savell had no prior convictions. The court was informed that Savell’s employment at Durham Prison was terminated following his arrest. Judge Prince adjourned the case for sentencing in December, with the understanding that Savell would return once the report was prepared. The court also confirmed that Savell would be subject to sex offender registration, with the duration to be determined at the sentencing hearing.