CHRISTOPHER SAVAGE FROM HIGHBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SOMERSET

In May 2023, a disturbing case involving a resident of Highbridge, Somerset, came to light, revealing the heinous actions of Christopher Savage, aged 58, who was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl. The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Initially, Savage was investigated after authorities discovered indecent images of children on his devices. Despite this, he was not immediately imprisoned; instead, he received a suspended sentence. However, the investigation took a more troubling turn when a female victim came forward, revealing that Savage had also sexually assaulted her when she was approximately seven years old.

The victim recounted a distressing incident where Savage placed her on his lap and inappropriately touched her over his trousers. This revelation was supported by digital evidence, as police uncovered references to the incident in a Skype chat, which was presented during the court hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

Charlotte Evans, the prosecutor, detailed the case, emphasizing that Savage had caused or incited a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity. Savage pleaded guilty to these charges, admitting to causing or inciting the young girl to participate in sexual acts. The court heard that Savage had previously been convicted for possessing child abuse images, for which he received a suspended jail sentence.

During the sentencing, Judge Julian Lambert sentenced Savage to four years in prison. Additionally, he imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which prohibits Savage from having unsupervised contact with children under 16. The judge also mandated that Savage must notify the police of his whereabouts indefinitely, as a measure to prevent further harm.

The victim provided a heartfelt impact statement, describing how the abuse had affected her mental health, making her feel worthless and causing her to experience periods of depression. Despite the trauma, she expressed relief and gratitude for having spoken out, stating that revealing the abuse had lifted a significant burden from her shoulders.

In his police interview, Savage initially issued a prepared statement denying any wrongdoing. However, he later changed his plea to guilty before magistrates, accepting responsibility for his actions. The case highlights the importance of victim support and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child sexual abuse in Somerset and beyond.