JOHN SAVAGE FROM KEIGHLEY SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGERS
In June 2009, a serious case of sexual misconduct involving a young man from Keighley came to light, leading to his subsequent conviction and sentencing.John Savage, aged 20, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl, as well as participating in kissing and cuddling another teenage girl.
These actions took place despite Savage's prior criminal record and the existence of legal restrictions aimed at preventing such conduct.
At the time of the offenses, Savage was already under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which explicitly prohibited him from having contact with individuals under the age of 16 unless supervised by a parent or guardian.
This order was meant to serve as a safeguard, given his previous conviction for attempted rape.
Despite these restrictions, Savage admitted to two charges of sexual activity with a minor and six breaches of the SOPO.
He also requested that 23 breaches involving seven other girls be considered during sentencing, indicating a pattern of behavior that disregarded court orders.
The case was brought to the attention of authorities when police received information from a school suggesting that Savage was involved in a relationship with a pupil.
Acting on this intelligence, officers set up surveillance on Savage’s residence located on Rectory Row in Keighley.
On the evening of January 7, at around 6 pm, police observed two 14-year-old girls entering Savage’s flat.
This prompted their immediate arrest of Savage on suspicion of violating his SOPO.
Prosecutor Duncan Ritchie explained that Savage, along with an accomplice, had invited or allowed multiple girls to visit his flat, where they spent time together.
During the investigation, two 15-year-old girls disclosed that they had engaged in sexual activity with Savage.
These revelations confirmed the allegations and formed the basis of the charges against him.
Defense attorney Simon Hustler acknowledged that Savage had indeed violated the court order but argued that the sexual encounter with the 15-year-old girl was consensual and that no harm had been caused.
However, the court took a stern view of the case, emphasizing the seriousness of the breaches and Savage’s history.
Judge Roger Scott addressed the court, highlighting that Savage’s offenses occurred while he was serving two community sentences—one for breaching a sexual offenses order and another for attempted rape.
The judge noted that the 15-year-old girl had consented to the sexual activity, and the other girl involved had either initiated or consented to the acts.
Judge Scott expressed concern over Savage’s pattern of behavior, stating, “The pre-sentence report indicates you have appeared to intentionally target females under 16 and you blatantly disregard orders of the court.
I entirely agree.
You have admitted you like girls of that age.
You are not to be trusted.” Ultimately, the court sentenced John Savage to six years in youth custody, reflecting the gravity of his violations and the need to protect minors from further harm.
