JOSEPH HAWLEY'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN BOLTON: PAEDOPHILE'S SENTENCE REDUCED AFTER SHOCKING ABUSE CASE
| Red Rose Database
Bolton Rapist
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bolton, Joseph Hawley, a 39-year-old man from Boundary Street, Bradley Fold, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the abuse of a two-year-old girl. The details of his offenses are as disturbing as they are grave, involving not only the assault itself but also the disturbing manner in which he recorded and streamed the abuse online for the gratification of others.
Hawley's actions came to light during an international investigation into online child exploitation conducted by the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre in Canada. This investigation uncovered evidence that led authorities to Hawley's residence, where they discovered footage of him raping and molesting the young girl. The footage was streamed live on the internet, with two of Hawley's friends, one of whom was identified as a former deputy headteacher, encouraging him to carry out the abuse. These individuals were also implicated in the case, highlighting the disturbing network of individuals involved in this criminal activity.
At Liverpool Crown Court in October of the previous year, Hawley was sentenced to an indefinite prison term for public protection, with a minimum of eight years before he could be considered for parole. The sentence was intended to reflect the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to society. However, in a recent appeal heard by the Criminal Appeal Court in London, the minimum term was reduced to six years and eight months. The appeal was brought forward by Hawley's legal team, who argued that the original sentence was influenced by the sentencing judge's emotional response to the gravity of the crimes.
Lord Justice Elias, presiding over the appeal alongside Mr Justice Saunders and Judge Stephen Kramer QC, acknowledged that while the indefinite nature of the sentence was justified, the specific minimum term was excessive. He stated, “We do accept the sentence was too high. There is perhaps an element of double counting in the way the judge approached this matter.” The court's decision reflects a recognition of the seriousness of Hawley's crimes, but also a consideration of the appropriate length of incarceration.
Further details of the investigation reveal that Hawley's crimes were part of a broader online network. Evidence from the chatrooms led police to the home of Patrick Lennon in Crosby, who at the time was a respected deputy headteacher at a school in Southport. The conversations between Lennon, Hawley, and Phillip Skitt, aged 54 from Wigan, included disturbing discussions about Hawley's intent to rape a young child. These exchanges underscored the extent of the online grooming and exploitation involved in the case.
Hawley admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of rape of a child under 13, three counts of assault by penetration, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and thirteen counts of making indecent photographs of a child. The court heard that Hawley's lack of understanding of the gravity of his actions was evident, as he told probation officers he felt as though he was having sex with a computer game rather than with his young victim. This chilling statement underscores the disturbing detachment and lack of remorse exhibited by Hawley.
In contrast, Skitt’s appeal against his eight-year sentence was dismissed, and Lennon, aged 60, did not appeal his seven-year sentence. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against online child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable victims from such heinous crimes.
Hawley's actions came to light during an international investigation into online child exploitation conducted by the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre in Canada. This investigation uncovered evidence that led authorities to Hawley's residence, where they discovered footage of him raping and molesting the young girl. The footage was streamed live on the internet, with two of Hawley's friends, one of whom was identified as a former deputy headteacher, encouraging him to carry out the abuse. These individuals were also implicated in the case, highlighting the disturbing network of individuals involved in this criminal activity.
At Liverpool Crown Court in October of the previous year, Hawley was sentenced to an indefinite prison term for public protection, with a minimum of eight years before he could be considered for parole. The sentence was intended to reflect the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to society. However, in a recent appeal heard by the Criminal Appeal Court in London, the minimum term was reduced to six years and eight months. The appeal was brought forward by Hawley's legal team, who argued that the original sentence was influenced by the sentencing judge's emotional response to the gravity of the crimes.
Lord Justice Elias, presiding over the appeal alongside Mr Justice Saunders and Judge Stephen Kramer QC, acknowledged that while the indefinite nature of the sentence was justified, the specific minimum term was excessive. He stated, “We do accept the sentence was too high. There is perhaps an element of double counting in the way the judge approached this matter.” The court's decision reflects a recognition of the seriousness of Hawley's crimes, but also a consideration of the appropriate length of incarceration.
Further details of the investigation reveal that Hawley's crimes were part of a broader online network. Evidence from the chatrooms led police to the home of Patrick Lennon in Crosby, who at the time was a respected deputy headteacher at a school in Southport. The conversations between Lennon, Hawley, and Phillip Skitt, aged 54 from Wigan, included disturbing discussions about Hawley's intent to rape a young child. These exchanges underscored the extent of the online grooming and exploitation involved in the case.
Hawley admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of rape of a child under 13, three counts of assault by penetration, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and thirteen counts of making indecent photographs of a child. The court heard that Hawley's lack of understanding of the gravity of his actions was evident, as he told probation officers he felt as though he was having sex with a computer game rather than with his young victim. This chilling statement underscores the disturbing detachment and lack of remorse exhibited by Hawley.
In contrast, Skitt’s appeal against his eight-year sentence was dismissed, and Lennon, aged 60, did not appeal his seven-year sentence. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against online child exploitation and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect vulnerable victims from such heinous crimes.