LEE HALPIN FROM HEYWOOD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRLS IN BEVERLEY AND HULL

In April 2015, a disturbing case unfolded involving Lee Halpin, a 21-year-old man from Heywood, Greater Manchester, who was convicted of grooming underage girls through online manipulation and engaging in sexual activities with them. The case drew significant attention due to the calculated nature of his actions and the serious legal consequences that followed.

Halpin, who falsely claimed to be 17 on Facebook, initiated contact with two pupils attending Longcroft School in Beverley. His online conversations were designed to deceive and manipulate the young girls, as he falsely presented himself as a peer. During these interactions, Halpin exploited their trust by revealing personal details about his troubled background, including claims of being abused by his parents and self-harming, in an attempt to emotionally sway them.

His manipulative tactics culminated in him arranging to meet one of the girls in person. On this occasion, he offered her alcohol, which she consumed to the point of feeling unwell. Subsequently, Halpin engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with her on two separate occasions. The girl was underage, and her discomfort and reluctance were evident, yet Halpin continued his pursuit. Later, he met the second girl and asked her for a kiss. When she informed him she was underage, he responded by mentioning a desire to have a threesome, a proposition she declined.

During the court proceedings at Hull Crown Court, Judge Mark Bury addressed Halpin’s actions and background. The judge acknowledged that Halpin’s history and personal circumstances might have influenced his behavior, noting, “Your background has put you in a position where you are seeking young people, it does not excuse your behaviour, but it does have some bearing and presents you with some mitigation.” However, the judge emphasized that Halpin was not suffering from any learning disability, possessing average intelligence, and that the nature of his offenses warranted a serious custodial sentence.

Halpin, who resides in Heywood, had previously admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. His legal representatives argued that mental health issues played a role in his decision-making, citing ongoing mental health difficulties that impaired his judgment. Two psychiatric reports recommended that Halpin be placed under a hospital order for treatment. However, Dr. Swinton, described as “the local bed gatekeeper,” disagreed with this recommendation, and Halpin was not admitted to a hospital.

In addition to his prison sentence, Halpin was issued a sexual harm prevention order that will last for ten years. This order prohibits him from contacting his victims or engaging in any activities that could facilitate further harm. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his offenses and the need to protect vulnerable young people from potential future harm.