ALAN HALE FROM NEWPORT AND PAIGNTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASES

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Newport and Paignton, Alan Hale, a 72-year-old man, was sentenced to a total of ten years in prison for heinous acts of child abuse committed decades ago. The crimes involved two vulnerable boys, both under the age of ten, and spanned over a period of several years during the 1960s and 1970s.

Hale, who was formerly residing in Newport at the time of the offenses, was found guilty after a trial at Newport Crown Court. The court heard that the abuse began with seemingly innocent activities such as play fighting, which Hale then escalated into more sinister 'wrestling games.' These games eventually led to sexual and indecent assaults on the young victims. The court was informed that Hale would manipulate the boys by giving one of them cash rewards to buy sweets, while also threatening to have him taken into care if he disclosed the abuse.

The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the abuse, with the jury recognizing the victims' testimonies as truthful. Judge Daniel Williams, presiding over the case, condemned Hale’s actions, stating, “You knew they were extremely vulnerable young boys and you exploited that vulnerability in the most wicked way.” The judge emphasized the severity of the betrayal, noting that Hale initially denied the allegations but was convicted of one sexual offence and eleven counts of indecent assault following the trial.

Judge Williams also pointed out that Hale showed no remorse during the proceedings. The prosecution’s barrister, Susan Ferrier, described the victims’ experiences as “heartbreaking” and “harrowing,” highlighting how Hale manipulated and exploited the boys’ innocence. The court heard that the abuse had a profound and lasting impact on the victims.

In his defense, Charles Row, Hale’s legal representative, argued that there was no evidence of further sexual offending beyond the charges, and highlighted Hale’s past acts of heroism, including saving lives during water rescues approximately 10 to 14 years ago. Despite this, the court sentenced Hale to ten years for the sexual offence and an additional four years for the indecent assaults, with both sentences to run concurrently. Hale was also disqualified from working with children and placed under indefinite restrictions under the Sexual Offences Act. No sexual offences prevention order was issued in this case.

Earlier in June 2013, Hale faced similar allegations, with the court hearing that he had lured two young boys with sweets and alcohol, leading to sexual assaults. The jury, consisting of three men and nine women, took four hours to convict Hale of one count of rape and eleven counts of indecent assault against the older boy, and five counts of indecent assault against the younger boy. The court was told that Hale had assaulted the boys during trips to the seaside, with the younger victim waking up to find Hale assaulting him after consuming alcohol that left him semi-drunk.

Prosecutor Susan Ferrier reiterated that Hale manipulated the boys into engaging in sexual activities, describing the acts as “heartbreaking” and “harrowing.” Hale, who now resides in Hayes Gardens, Paignton, Devon, denied the charges, claiming only vague memories of the incidents and asserting that he had only visited the seaside location for a honeymoon. His defense lawyer, Charles Row, questioned the reliability of the younger boy’s testimony, citing past criminal convictions. The case was adjourned until the sentencing hearing scheduled for July 15, leaving the community awaiting justice for the victims.