BRIAN HAYLER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CHELTENHAM AND RUNCORN LEAD TO REPEATED JAIL SENTENCES

In a disturbing series of criminal acts spanning decades, Brian Hayler, a man with a long history of sexual offenses, has once again found himself behind bars. The latest incident involves his repeated breaches of court orders designed to protect the public from his predatory behavior, leading to a significant jail sentence.

In June 2019, the 76-year-old resident of Dunalley Parade, Cheltenham, was sentenced to 22 months in prison at Gloucester Crown Court after admitting to violating a sexual harm prevention order on no fewer than 13 separate occasions. The court heard that Hayler, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and walks with the aid of two sticks, had accessed adult pornography and used multiple electronic devices to log into chat rooms, Facebook, and YouTube, all in direct contravention of the court-imposed restrictions.

Hayler’s criminal record is extensive and troubling. He was previously jailed in 2012 for a serious sexual assault involving a teenage boy. Despite his release from prison in 2014, his pattern of disregarding court orders persisted, prompting the judge to emphasize the danger he poses to society, especially to young males. His Honour Judge Ian Lawrie QC expressed his disappointment, stating, “Here is a man who blatantly and persistently ignores court orders, which are in place to help him and to protect the public.”

Judge Lawrie further highlighted the risk Hayler continues to pose, noting that his actions and history suggest a significant threat to the community. The judge also expressed regret over the decision to send a man of Hayler’s advanced age to custody but emphasized that there was no alternative given his repeated violations.

Turning back the clock to 2012, Hayler’s criminal activities in Runcorn came to light. The court heard that he had subjected a young boy from Runcorn to a prolonged period of sexual abuse over five years. Hayler, then 69, used threats to silence his victim, warning that harm would come to his family or that he would abandon him in remote locations if he dared to speak out. The court was told that Hayler forced the boy to perform sexual acts and repeatedly raped him at various locations, including a van where they traveled long distances while Hayler was employed by a haulage company. The two even shared sleeping arrangements in the vehicle.

Adding to the gravity of the case, an acquaintance of Hayler’s was also implicated in abusing the same boy. The abuse occurred over two decades ago, and the victim has since suffered from anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even attempted suicide. It was only in September 2010 that he felt able to approach Cheshire police with his allegations. When Hayler was arrested in October 2010, authorities found him in possession of 11 indecent images of young boys. During questioning, Hayler admitted to fantasizing about sex with young boys, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Hayler’s criminal record includes a history of sexual offenses dating back to the 1960s, involving both men and boys. His defense counsel acknowledged his dangerous past but argued that his risk of reoffending was now low. Nevertheless, the court sentenced him to four and a half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to two counts of serious sexual assault and nine counts of indecent assault. Judge Elgan Edwards described Hayler as a ‘predatory pervert’ who exploited his position of trust to commit his crimes. The judge also noted Hayler’s age and health, which were taken into account during sentencing, but emphasized that his actions had caused significant harm and that he posed a continuing threat to society.