Child sex offender 'likely to die in prison'

An 82-year-old man who carried out multiple sex offences against three schoolgirls over a 40-year period has been jailed for 18 years.

Barrie Hall, 82, of St Andrew's Gardens, Lincoln, pleaded guilty to nine offences, including rape and sexual assault.

He targeted his first victim in the 1980s, before resuming his offending three decades later, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

"Your behaviour almost falls outside the boundaries of the English language," Recorder John Hardy KC said. "I have to face the very realistic possibility that you will die in prison."

Hall admitted raping a girl aged under 16, four charges of indecent assault against the same victim and one charge of gross indecency. He also sexually assaulted two girls under 13.

Police became involved in 2024 after a victim made disclosures.

When his home was searched, officers found a blow-up doll and a number of sex toys and sweets.

The court heard Hall had spent many years raising money for cancer charities. However, he had 12 previous convictions for indecent exposure, which ended in 1980.

Impact statements from two of the victims, who cannot be identified, were read to the court.

One said: "You have not got away with what you have done. Now it is time for your nightmare to begin."

Another victim described how she was now frightened to wear a dress or shorts.

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