Darren Hale FROM WATERLOO CAUGHT INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AT WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN CROSBY
| Red Rose Database
Waterloo Child Sexual Abuser
In October 2018, a disturbing incident occurred at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, located within Crosby Coastal Park, involving Darren Hale from Waterloo. Hale was caught engaging in highly inappropriate conduct within the men's toilets of the water sports facility, an act that has sparked concern and outrage among the local community and authorities alike.
According to reports presented in Liverpool Crown Court, staff members at the centre observed Hale exhibiting an unusual level of interest in the restroom facilities. Over the course of two days, specifically on Tuesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 26, Hale made an excessive number of visits to the toilets, raising suspicion among the employees. Recognizing his suspicious behavior, a staff member decided to keep a close watch on Hale, especially after noticing him lingering near the restroom again on the second day.
During this period, a distressing scene unfolded. A staff member, Mike Stephenson, witnessed Hale engaging in the act of masturbation at a urinal. The court was informed that Hale was positioned next to a cubicle where a six-year-old boy was inside with his grandfather. The child could be heard speaking within the cubicle, but was unaware of Hale’s actions. Despite the staff member’s presence and apparent awareness of being observed, Hale continued his conduct without hesitation, showing a blatant disregard for the fact that others, including children, could potentially see him.
Mr. Stephenson described how Hale appeared to be aware of the staff member watching him but chose to ignore this, continuing his sexual activity in a public space. The court heard that Hale’s actions were deliberate and planned, with no concern for the presence of others. The child, fortunately, was unaware of what was happening, but the grandfather quickly recognized the inappropriate behavior and encouraged the boy to leave the area. Hale eventually ceased his activity and left the Crosby centre shortly thereafter.
Following the incident, authorities reviewed CCTV footage that captured Hale entering and exiting the water sports centre on Cambridge Road. The images were circulated publicly, and a police appeal in the Liverpool Echo led to Hale’s identification by members of the community. Hale, who has no prior criminal record, was subsequently charged and admitted to charges of exposure and engaging in sexual activity in public toilets. However, prosecutors decided not to pursue the charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
During the court proceedings, Judge David Aubrey, QC, addressed Hale’s behavior, noting that he was under observation due to previous concerning conduct. The judge emphasized the troubling nature of the incident, suggesting that Hale’s actions appeared to involve some element of planning or targeting, even if not directed at a specific individual. The judge pointed out that Hale’s conduct demonstrated a blatant disregard for others, including children, and expressed concern about the potential risk posed by such behavior.
Judge Aubrey acknowledged that Hale was engaging with local mental health services and recognized that he was aware of his actions, which he admitted were driven by sexual gratification and a desire for excitement. In light of these factors, the judge decided that a community-based sentence was appropriate. Hale was sentenced to a three-year community order, which requires him to participate in a sex offender treatment program and complete a 20-day rehabilitation course. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was issued, prohibiting Hale from entering the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in addressing public sexual misconduct, especially in locations frequented by families and children.
According to reports presented in Liverpool Crown Court, staff members at the centre observed Hale exhibiting an unusual level of interest in the restroom facilities. Over the course of two days, specifically on Tuesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 26, Hale made an excessive number of visits to the toilets, raising suspicion among the employees. Recognizing his suspicious behavior, a staff member decided to keep a close watch on Hale, especially after noticing him lingering near the restroom again on the second day.
During this period, a distressing scene unfolded. A staff member, Mike Stephenson, witnessed Hale engaging in the act of masturbation at a urinal. The court was informed that Hale was positioned next to a cubicle where a six-year-old boy was inside with his grandfather. The child could be heard speaking within the cubicle, but was unaware of Hale’s actions. Despite the staff member’s presence and apparent awareness of being observed, Hale continued his conduct without hesitation, showing a blatant disregard for the fact that others, including children, could potentially see him.
Mr. Stephenson described how Hale appeared to be aware of the staff member watching him but chose to ignore this, continuing his sexual activity in a public space. The court heard that Hale’s actions were deliberate and planned, with no concern for the presence of others. The child, fortunately, was unaware of what was happening, but the grandfather quickly recognized the inappropriate behavior and encouraged the boy to leave the area. Hale eventually ceased his activity and left the Crosby centre shortly thereafter.
Following the incident, authorities reviewed CCTV footage that captured Hale entering and exiting the water sports centre on Cambridge Road. The images were circulated publicly, and a police appeal in the Liverpool Echo led to Hale’s identification by members of the community. Hale, who has no prior criminal record, was subsequently charged and admitted to charges of exposure and engaging in sexual activity in public toilets. However, prosecutors decided not to pursue the charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
During the court proceedings, Judge David Aubrey, QC, addressed Hale’s behavior, noting that he was under observation due to previous concerning conduct. The judge emphasized the troubling nature of the incident, suggesting that Hale’s actions appeared to involve some element of planning or targeting, even if not directed at a specific individual. The judge pointed out that Hale’s conduct demonstrated a blatant disregard for others, including children, and expressed concern about the potential risk posed by such behavior.
Judge Aubrey acknowledged that Hale was engaging with local mental health services and recognized that he was aware of his actions, which he admitted were driven by sexual gratification and a desire for excitement. In light of these factors, the judge decided that a community-based sentence was appropriate. Hale was sentenced to a three-year community order, which requires him to participate in a sex offender treatment program and complete a 20-day rehabilitation course. Additionally, a five-year restraining order was issued, prohibiting Hale from entering the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in addressing public sexual misconduct, especially in locations frequented by families and children.