Paedophile 80, told child abuse victim 'it's our little secret'
Police have welcomed the jailing of an 80-year-old convicted of predatory paedophilic acts. Ken Hall, from Torquay, received a 15-year sentence for his crimes against two minors.
He insidiously whispered to one victim that it was "their little secret" and audaciously attempted to accuse them for his own vile conduct upon being exposed. Exeter Crown Court was told he groomed the children by buying them gifts and then made "cowardly denials" of responsibility.
His actions wreaked havoc on the victims' lives. The court listened with heavy hearts to personal statements detailing the severe emotional turmoil they endured because of his abuse.
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Police officers lauded the victims' formidable spirit. Detective Constable Ben Milton, officer in the case, said: "We welcome the sentence handed down and are pleased that justice has been served. Hall will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison."
"The victims in this case have shown resilience and courage in coming forward and giving evidence and should be praised for their bravery. I hope this case reassures the community how seriously the police take reports of sexual violence and gives people the courage to come forward in future."
"Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting survivors of abuse and will seek to prosecute offenders."
Hall, of Higher Woodfield Road, pleaded guilty to 13 offences against two children, the youngest being nine at the time of the earliest offence. The offences included penetrative sexual activity and one count of rape. He also admitted a charge of possessing extreme porn videos involving humans and animals.
Prosecutor Jason Beal said the offences came to light in 2018. Hall initially denied the most serious offences saying he would "swear on a stack of bibles" he'd never done such things and tried to blame his victims.
One victim said in a statement said living with the memories of what happened was like a "constant pain in my head." Adding: "I can't go about my daily life without seeing reminders. I don't know how to help my own head to get rid of the feeling."
"It sends me into a deep hole I can't climb out of. It makes me feel like I'm floating in the ocean and I think 'when am I going to be happy in life?'."
The second victim said : "Every day I try to lead a normal life but can't." The trauma led to isolation from others and feelings of anger and depression.
"I felt like I was used as a toy for this person's pleasure. Normal is something I think and feel I will never be able to achieve no matter how hard I try or how many therapists or counsellors I talk to."
Hall was convicted in 1973 of indecently assaulting a boy and again in 1987. Hollie Gilbery, defending, said he now suffered with a range of health issues and had not offended for a long time.
Judge David Evans said: "It is clear your offending has distorted their lives in different ways. Each has sought different means of coping with the intense psychological fallout which continues to manifest itself mentally and physically in their everyday lives. The destructive ripples affect others in their lives too and all of that is down to you."
He added: "I acknowledge there is a distinct chance you will die in prison but you have brought that on yourself."
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available. You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police's Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault