MAN JAILED FOR PLOTTING TO GET CHARGES DROPPED DURING SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
A man responsible for sexually assaulting a woman attempted to obstruct the investigation from behind bars.While awaiting trial, he was further questioned by police regarding similar sexual crimes committed against the same woman.
Just thirty minutes after this interview, Hall contacted his mother, Amanda Hall, via a prison phone call.
He shared details of his police interview with her and advised her to speak to witnesses involved in the case.
In the days that followed, Hall and his mother discussed the witnesses during several phone conversations, with Hall urging her to persuade them to retract their statements.
Amanda Hall also reportedly advised her son to lie during his court appearance, suggesting that the court would not be able to prove he was lying.
Investigations revealed that Amanda Hall made calls to two witnesses, and further checks indicated Liam Hall sent multiple emails to the victim using a prisoner email account, requesting she drop the charges.
Liam Hall, aged 29, with no fixed address, and Amanda Hall, 53, of Peel Lane, Heywood, appeared in Preston Crown Court for sentencing on July 10th.
Both individuals had been convicted by a jury following a trial held in May, with the charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Liam Hall was also convicted of sexual assault by penetration, assault causing actual bodily harm, and attempting to interfere with the legal process.
He received a sentence of five years in prison, was added to the sex offenders register, and ordered to abide by a 10-year restraining order concerning the victim.
Amanda Hall received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was also ordered to complete 140 hours of community service.
Detective Constable Dan Healey of the East division Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team commented: "Liam Hall committed sexual and physical assaults, then deliberately sought to interfere with the investigation.
From within prison, where he was remanded by the court, Hall coordinated with his mother to contact witnesses and influence them to change their statements.
Such actions strike at the core of our justice system.
The victim demonstrated remarkable bravery in reporting the crimes and testifying at trial."
