Man jailed for preying on children in Cheshire

Thomas Hall ‘preyed on young girls purely to satisfy his own twisted sexual desires’ say police.

One of his victims was only 12-years-old.

The 'manipulative predator' used different names to lure children.

Thomas Hall, of Rolling Street, Salford, sexually abused children whilst living in Cheshire East (Image: Cheshire Police)

The 34-year-old was sentenced to 11 years in prison, plus three years on extended licence at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday October 24.

It follows a two-year investigation by Cheshire Police.

Hall had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child and four counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Hall also admitted four counts of making indecent images of a child and facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

The case against Hall began in November 2020 when officers from Cheshire Police received reports that a 12-year-old girl from York was engaging in sexual communications with a man in east Cheshire via WhatsApp.

Telecoms enquiries were undertaken which linked Hall to the offences.

A warrant was subsequently conducted at his former home in Cheshire and Hall was arrested.

A number of mobile phones and other electronic devices were also seized from the address.

During subsequent analysis of the devices, officers recovered more than 30 indecent images of children, along with 30 indecent videos.

They also found seven extreme pornographic images/videos and one bestiality video.

Analysis also revealed that Hall had been communicating with children using a number of pseudonyms, including a woman called ‘Alex’ and a teenage boy called ‘Jack’.

During the communications, he exploited his victims, telling them fake stores in order to persuade them to send him incident images.

He also agreed to meet some of the children for sex, even offering to pay them money if they could find him a younger child for him to sleep with.

Thankfully, after gathering a catalogue of evidence, officers from Cheshire Police were able to bring his offending to a stop and Hall was charged with multiple offences.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Peter Taylor, who led the investigation, said: “Hall is a predator, he is manipulative, and used his age and experience to prey on young girls purely to satisfy his own twisted sexual desires.

“He has shown no regard for his victims and no remorse for his actions. His offending only came to an end when he was arrested by our officers.

“While none of the victims will ever be able to forget what happened to them.

“I hope that Hall’s conviction and the sentence handed to him will provide them with some closure.”

In addition to the custodial sentence Hall was ordered to sign the sexual offenders’ register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for life.

DC Peter Taylor added: “Sexual abuse can happen anywhere at any time and the impact can be lifechanging.

“Therefore, its vital that parents and guardians engage with their children to warn them of the dangers of communicating with people via social media.

“It also important to check that they are using those applications safely and to keep an eye out for any warning signs of sexual exploitation.

“I hope that Hall’s convictions and sentencing encourages anyone who has been subjected to similar offending to report it to the police.

“They should feel confident that they will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers and other support agencies we work alongside.

“All victims will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and any allegations will be taken extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and the needs of the victim as our main priority.”

For advice on identifying signs of sexual exploitation visit nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation/.

To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101.

Information can also be given online at cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.