Lincoln fundraiser, 82, jailed over years of child sexual abuse

A community fundraiser from Lincoln who engaged in a horrifying 42-year campaign of sexual abuse has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Barrie Hall, aged 82, of St Andrew's Gardens, pleaded guilty to nine offenses including rape and sexual assault spanning from 1982 to 2024. These offences involved multiple children, and Hall was convicted in Lincoln Crown Court on June 19. Detective Constable Bell from Lincolnshire Police described the scale of Hall's offending as "truly horrifying" and stated that Hall falsely presented himself as a child-friendly fundraiser during his prolonged period of abuse. Police highlighted Hall's dangerousness and the serious threat he posed to children, emphasizing their gratitude to the victims for coming forward, which led to the conviction. Hall's actions reflect a grave breach of trust and have caused significant harm, leading to his lengthy incarceration. The case was complex and required extensive police collaboration. The article underscores the importance of community safety and justice for victims of sexual abuse.