DAVID HALL, LINCOLN, ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VIEWING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN

In September 2017, a former Lincolnshire radiographer named David Hall, aged 53, was found to have viewed indecent images of young girls on his home computer, but did not receive a custodial sentence.

Police confiscated a laptop belonging to Hall that contained the most serious category of indecent images of children. Authorities raided Hall’s home in the Lincoln area after obtaining information linking a computer IP address to his residence.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that Hall was present at the property with his wife when police arrived to conduct the search. Prosecutor Lisa Hardy stated, "When police explained the reason why they were there Hall immediately admitted he was responsible."

Miss Hardy explained that the images included indecent photos of girls aged between six and 14 years old. During police interviews, Hall was described as being "very candid" about his actions. He acknowledged that, although others had access to the laptop, the images were his.

Hall admitted that he had been drawn to adult pornography since using the internet, but that his interest had escalated. He told authorities he had viewed the images while intoxicated and would delete them when sober, believing he had a problem with alcohol.

He faced three charges of possessing indecent images of children and one charge of possessing prohibited images, with these activities occurring between June 2013 and January 2017.

Miss Hardy noted that the prosecution accepted the number of images was low and that there was no evidence of distribution.

In his defense, mitigation lawyer Mark Watson explained that Hall had worked as a radiographer for 25 years, providing treatment for cancer patients. He added, "He has now moved away from Lincolnshire because of the shame this has brought to his family. He is now living with his father in Wales."

Mr. Watson further stated, "His wife remains supportive, but it is too difficult for them to live together. He says she is a good person and he has done a bad thing."

Judge John Hardy, passing sentence, acknowledged Hall’s cooperation with authorities, his guilty plea, and good character, which prevented an immediate jail sentence. Hall, now living at Ty Newydd, Holyhead, Anglesey, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with a 60-day rehabilitation order.

Additionally, he was required to register as a sex offender for ten years and was placed under a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.