GRAHAM HALSEY FROM TRING SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS IN ST ALBANS

In April 2009, Graham Halsey, a 48-year-old man from Tring, was sentenced to a total of four years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two underage girls. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that spanned over a period of time, highlighting the grave concerns surrounding his actions.

Halsey was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl on numerous occasions. The court heard that he had a sexual relationship with her until she turned 16, at which point he abruptly ceased contact. Shortly after, he befriended a younger girl, aged 12, with whom he continued his inappropriate conduct. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that police raided his residence in November 2007 and discovered the younger girl in Halsey's bed, with a packet of condoms placed nearby, suggesting recent sexual activity.

Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Halsey had explicitly told the 15-year-old girl, “I want to have sex with you,” and had touched her in a sexual manner on multiple occasions. These actions demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming and exploitation. The court was also informed that Halsey showed no remorse for his actions and lacked an understanding of the profound harm inflicted upon his victims. Judge Marie Catterson condemned his conduct, stating that he had employed persistent cunning to satisfy his own sexual needs through grooming these two girls, and possibly others, had he succeeded.

Halsey was convicted by a jury last November on charges including one count of penetrative sexual activity with a child under 16 and sexual activity with a child under 13. He was sentenced to four years for each of these offenses. Additionally, he was found guilty of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, for which he received a 12-month sentence. All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve a maximum of two years before becoming eligible for parole.

The judge described Halsey as being of “medium to high risk of reoffending” and imposed an extended license period of four years. As part of his sentence, Halsey is required to sign the sex offenders register and is prohibited from working with children or having any contact with minors unless accompanied by their parents. The court's decision underscores the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.