JOHN HALE'S SHOCKING REPEATED OFFENSES IN BARNSEY AND SHEFFIELD: PREDATOR JAILED AGAIN

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, John Hale, a 70-year-old resident of Shafton, Barnsley, has been repeatedly convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual exploitation of young children. His latest appearance in court underscores the ongoing threat he poses to the community and highlights the serious legal consequences of his actions.

Hale first came to public attention in January 2019 when he was released from prison and placed in a probation hostel in Sheffield. Despite his release, his criminal behavior persisted, culminating in a court appearance on March 21st at Sheffield Crown Court, where he faced multiple serious charges.

The court was informed that Hale had a long history of grooming and abusing children. Specifically, he was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a nine-year-old girl in 2006, a case that revealed his pattern of predatory behavior. In 2016, Hale was sentenced to three years and two months after pleading guilty to inciting a seven-year-old girl into sexual activity. This earlier conviction was part of a series of offenses that demonstrated his ongoing predatory tendencies.

Hale’s criminal record also includes a notable incident in August of the previous year at the Blue Bell pub in Hemsworth, Leeds. There, Hale, then aged 69, attempted to lure a young girl sitting with her family into a secluded area. Prosecutor Heather Gilmore described how Hale approached the girl, made inappropriate gestures suggesting he wanted to see her underwear, and tried to persuade her to go with him to his house or to the toilet. The girl’s mother observed Hale’s suspicious behavior, including him walking upstairs to the toilet and then turning around to look back at the area where her daughter was seated.

Following this incident, the girl confided in her mother about Hale’s actions. The police were contacted, but Hale had already left the pub by the time officers arrived. The next day, Hale returned to the pub and was seen sitting next to another young girl. Staff members alerted the police, leading to his arrest. Hale, of The Green, Shafton, Barnsley, subsequently pleaded guilty to inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Despite his guilty plea, Hale had previously been acquitted of similar allegations on two separate occasions, which complicates his criminal history. During police interviews, Hale admitted to having an attraction to pre-pubescent girls, further confirming the dangerous nature of his predatory behavior. His family, including his wife, stood by him despite the convictions, though his actions have caused significant public concern.

In court, Judge Christopher Batty sentenced Hale to a substantial prison term, emphasizing the severity of his offenses. The judge pointed out that Hale deliberately sought out a family pub during the summer holidays, knowing the risks involved. He highlighted the importance of protecting children from predators like Hale, stating, “You went out of your way to find a family pub in an area where you were not known during the course of the school holidays last summer.” The judge also acknowledged that Hale’s victim had been fortunate to be educated about the dangers posed by strangers, but stressed that Hale’s actions demonstrated a clear threat to public safety.

Judge Batty concluded by asserting that Hale’s behavior was indicative of a serious problem that needed addressing, and he emphasized the court’s duty to protect the community through appropriate sentencing. Hale was thus sentenced to a term that reflects the gravity of his repeated offenses, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement.