RICHARD HALL FROM ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN NORWICH

In September 2021, Richard Hall, a 36-year-old man from Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to serve five years in prison after being convicted of serious child sexual offenses. The court also imposed an Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to prevent any future harm. Hall’s address was listed as Stockport Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, at the time of sentencing, which took place at Norwich Crown Court.

Hall, who previously attended Egerton Park in Denton and later served in the army, was found guilty following a trial of multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. The charges included causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and four counts of sexual activity with a child. The court heard evidence that Hall had groomed his young victim, manipulating and preying on the child's vulnerabilities without showing any remorse for his actions. The judge described Hall as a dangerous individual to society, emphasizing the severity of his misconduct and the calculated nature of his grooming behavior.

Following the sentencing, relatives of the victim, who chose to remain anonymous to protect their privacy, expressed their relief that justice had been served. They acknowledged the profound and lasting impact of Hall’s actions on their lives and emphasized that the emotional scars will remain for a lifetime. In their statement, they also hoped that sharing their story would encourage other victims of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, or rape to find the courage to come forward and seek justice.

The family’s statement highlighted the manipulative tactics used by predators like Hall, noting that paedophiles often appear charming and trustworthy to lure their victims. They explained that such individuals prey on the most vulnerable children, and in Hall’s case, he not only groomed his victim but also affected the entire family, turning them into secondary victims. They urged the public to recognize grooming behaviors, describing them as the ultimate betrayal and a form of calculated manipulation that can infiltrate families unnoticed.

As a consequence of the abuse, the victim and their family have suffered significant mental health challenges, including social anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The trauma has made it difficult for them to form new relationships, and at least one family member has even threatened self-harm. In a powerful victim impact statement, the survivor expressed that sexual abuse is akin to killing someone inside, leaving a permanent pain that affects not only the victim but also their loved ones. They stated, “Sexual abuse isn’t murder but it is like killing someone inside… they are alive to feel that pain forever and watch what the abuser has done to the surrounding people – that applies to all of my family because they were mentally abused… we all have to live with this.”

Expressing gratitude, the victim’s family thanked Norfolk Constabulary, especially the investigating officer, the Crown Prosecution Service, their outstanding barrister, and the judge for delivering justice. Despite the ongoing emotional toll, they felt a sense of closure and hope that their story might inspire other victims to speak out. They reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against child sexual abuse, emphasizing that such crimes are being actively tackled and eradicated.

The case against Hall was initiated following a thorough investigation conducted by Norfolk and Suffolk Police, which ultimately led to his conviction and sentencing. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for society to protect its most vulnerable members from predators like Richard Hall.