Former teacher Michael McCue admits further child sexual offences

Former maths teacher Michael McCue, aged 93, has admitted further child sexual offences, following previous convictions for sexually abusing pupils.

McCue previously taught at Page Moss School, later known as Bowring Community Sports College, in Huyton, Merseyside. He has been convicted of numerous sexual offences against former pupils, with allegations spanning several decades.

According to the Liverpool Echo’s report of 20 October 2026, McCue entered the latest guilty pleas at Liverpool Crown Court, where he had been due to stand trial. The offences relate to abuse of a boy in the 1970s. The report states that he was released on conditional bail ahead of sentencing in December 2026.

Bolt Burdon Kemp is currently representing a victim of Michael McCue in a civil claim relating to the abuse they experienced.

Abuse of trust and the difficulty of speaking out

This case is another deeply concerning example of the harm that can occur when someone in a position of trust abuses the authority they hold over a child or young person. Teachers have significant responsibility for the pupils in their care, and the relationship between a teacher and pupil carries an inherent imbalance of power.

It is also important to recognise that young people may not immediately understand that what is happening to them is abusive. Grooming can blur boundaries and make abusive behaviour appear normal or even make a young person believe they are in a consensual or caring relationship. The responsibility always lies with the adult in the position of trust, not the child or young person they have targeted.

There are many reasons why someone may not speak about childhood abuse until much later. A child may fear the consequences of telling someone, worry that they will not be believed, or feel shame about what happened. Some children try to tell someone but do not receive the help they need. These barriers should never be mistaken for responsibility on the survivor’s part.

The NSPCC’s guidance on recognising and responding to abuse explains that disclosure can be a gradual process rather than a single conversation, and that many people speak out years after the abuse. Anyone sharing their experience deserves to be listened to, taken seriously and supported.

Understanding your options for a civil claim

A civil claim focuses on compensation for the harm caused by abuse. Depending on the circumstances, it may be brought against the person responsible or an organisation that is legally responsible for their actions. An organisation’s liability is not automatic: each case needs careful investigation of the evidence and the legal basis for a claim.

Compensation cannot undo the abuse, but it can help fund therapy, care and practical support. Our child sexual abuse claims guidance explains the possible routes and what the process involves. The appropriate next step will depend on your individual circumstances.

Speaking to our abuse team

If you are reading this as someone who has experienced historic child sexual abuse, whether recently or many years ago, support is available. Speaking to someone does not mean you have to make a report. If you would like to talk through what happened or explore what support might look like for you, our abuse team is here to listen in complete confidence.