SIMON HALE FROM AXMINSTER, KESWICK, AND PORTSMOUTH: SHOCKING ONLINE PREDATOR CAUGHT IN CYBER CRIME SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Axminster, Keswick, and Portsmouth, Simon Hale, a man with a long history of sexual offenses against minors, has been implicated in a series of heinous online crimes involving underage girls from around the world. The case, which came to light in July 2012, reveals Hale’s sinister methods of deception, exploitation, and blackmail, highlighting the dangers of online predators preying on vulnerable youth.

Hale, who was already a convicted paedophile, had previously served time for child rape in 2005. His latest criminal activities involved posing as popular celebrities, specifically Justin Bieber and Niall Horan of One Direction, to lure young girls into believing they could communicate with their idols. These girls, hailing from Britain, Australia, and Denmark, were deceived into sending explicit photographs and performing sexual acts on webcam sessions. Hale’s manipulation extended further as he used sophisticated software to hijack the girls’ computers, recording their activities and subsequently blackmailing them into performing sexual acts on camera for his perverted gratification.

Authorities tracked Hale to his residence in Portsmouth, where they seized his computer and uncovered a disturbing collection of over 180 videos featuring girls aged between 13 and 15. Among these, nearly 90 videos depicted the girls engaging in various sexual acts, some of which were recorded without their knowledge or consent. The police identified ten girls out of the 33 they managed to establish online connections with Hale. The evidence revealed that Hale had coerced a 13-year-old Bieber fan into stripping naked and performing simulated sex acts with her six-year-old cousin. In another horrifying incident, he forced a girl to perform sexual acts with her four-year-old brother, as well as encouraging other girls to touch themselves intimately.

Hale’s criminal record includes a previous conviction for grooming a girl online, with whom he met and engaged in sexual intercourse twice. This prior conviction, which resulted in a five-year prison sentence in 2005, underscores the pattern of predatory behavior that Hale has exhibited over the years. During the recent trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Hale admitted to ten counts of causing or inciting children to perform indecent acts and twelve charges related to the making, possession, and distribution of indecent images of minors.

Prosecutor David Gittins detailed the extent of Hale’s depravity, emphasizing the danger he poses to society. Judge Paul Darlow described Hale’s actions as “sinister and premeditated,” noting that his deception was aimed at gaining the trust and infatuation of young girls, which he exploited for his own sexual gratification. The judge warned that Hale remains a significant risk to the public and sentenced him to an indeterminate jail term for public protection, with a minimum of ten years behind bars. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his crimes and the potential threat he continues to pose.

Detective Inspector Simon Snell, leading the cyber-crime team at Devon and Cornwall Police, expressed his condemnation of Hale’s actions, describing him as “a very dangerous and sadistic man, with him it’s about control and sexual gratification.” The case has garnered widespread attention, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding children from online predators. Hale’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers lurking in the digital world and the need for robust measures to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.