JOHN HALLAM OF BARROW SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN AYLESBURY

In a case that has spanned over three decades, John Hallam, a 65-year-old man from Barrow, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 22 years for multiple counts of sexual assault, including rape and indecent assault, committed against a young girl in Aylesbury. The sentencing took place at Aylesbury Crown Court, where Hallam was found guilty of five counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault, charges that stemmed from incidents that occurred between 1979 and 1984.

Hallam’s address at the time of the crimes was Black Butts Lane, Walney, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The victim, who was under 16 years old at the time of the abuse, initially reported the sexual offences to police in 1984. However, she later withdrew her complaint after reportedly being pressured by Hallam, which delayed justice for many years. It was not until May 2012 that she re-established contact with Thames Valley Police, prompting a renewed investigation into her allegations.

During the trial, Judge Sheridan, who presided over the case, described it as the most serious he had encountered in his 30 years on the bench. The court heard that the abuse had a profound and lasting impact on the victim’s life, highlighting her bravery in coming forward after so many years. Investigator Rebecca Spaull from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit emphasized the victim’s courage, stating, “The sexual abuse that this victim suffered as a young girl has had a significant impact on her adult life. She has been incredibly brave in reporting these offences to the police again and then giving evidence in court. She has shown tremendous courage during what has been a very traumatic time for her and I hope this sentence brings some closure. I would like to thank all the witnesses, who have enabled Thames Valley Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, to finally provide justice to the victim after 30 years.”

Earlier in April 2014, Hallam appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court for trial, where he faced charges of multiple sexual offences. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the five counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault during a hearing in November of the previous year. The court proceedings revealed that the offences took place between 1983 and 1985, involving a girl under the age of 16. Despite maintaining his innocence, Hallam was convicted on all charges by the jury after a trial that lasted from April 8 to April 17.

The case was adjourned for sentencing until April 30, with the possibility of sentencing at either Aylesbury Crown Court or Amersham Crown Court. According to guidelines from the Crown Prosecution Service, the typical sentence range for individuals convicted of multiple acts of rape is between 13 and 19 years in custody. However, Hallam’s sentence of 22 years reflects the severity and number of offences committed, as well as the impact on the victim’s life.