ROBERT HALL FROM MELKSHAM INVOLVED IN SEXUAL OFFENSES IN SOUTHAMPTON AND CHIPPENHAM

In February 2004, a disturbing case of indecent assault involving a young girl came to light, highlighting the serious nature of the offenses committed by Robert Hall, a 27-year-old man from Melksham. The incident took place on November 24 of the previous year, when Hall was visiting a residence where a 13-year-old girl was babysitting three young children.

According to court reports, Hall's actions were both invasive and predatory. He forcibly grabbed the girl and kissed her on the lips in a moment that was both unexpected and inappropriate. This assault occurred while the girl was engaged in her babysitting duties, a situation that should have been a safe environment but was marred by Hall's misconduct.

Further evidence presented in court revealed that Hall had been communicating with the girl through text messages, some of which contained highly inappropriate content. He showed her messages on his phone that read 'I love you' and 'I can't wait until you are 16-years-old,' the latter being the age of legal consent. These messages indicated a troubling pattern of grooming and predatory behavior.

The incident only came to light when the girl, overwhelmed and distressed, broke down in tears and confided in her teacher several days after the event. The court heard that at the time of the assault, Hall was residing in a caravan in Melksham and had visited the girl's home, where she was babysitting.

Prosecutors described how Hall followed the girl into the kitchen, where he placed both hands on her face and quickly kissed her on the lips as other children were entering the room. They also noted that Hall had previously shown her lewd text messages and would sit close to her on the sofa, holding her knee in a manner that suggested inappropriate familiarity.

Defense attorney David Witt acknowledged Hall's difficulties, stating, 'He has had a pretty rough ride from time to time and has difficulties in forming relationships.' Despite this, Hall's actions were deemed serious enough to warrant legal consequences.

Following the incident, Hall moved to Southampton and was residing in a hostel. He appeared at North and West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court in Chippenham, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of indecent assault on a female under 14 years old. The court sentenced him to a three-year community rehabilitation order and mandated that he register as a sex offender for five years, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the need for ongoing monitoring.