MELKSHAM MAN MATTHEW HALL SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In August 2019, a man from Melksham, identified as Matthew Hall, was handed a sentence that, while initially appearing severe, was ultimately suspended by the court due to his subsequent cooperation and efforts at rehabilitation. Hall, aged 35 and residing on Brecon Close in Melksham, was found guilty of engaging in online grooming activities and possessing indecent images of children, leading to a significant legal case that drew attention to the dangers of internet-based child exploitation.

Hall’s offending began when he created a false online persona under the name ‘Dad of two’ and entered a popular internet forum aimed at young users called Kidschat. It was here that he engaged in behavior that the court described as grooming, attempting to manipulate a young girl into removing her clothing. However, the individual Hall was communicating with was not a child but an undercover police officer patrolling the internet to identify and apprehend potential predators.

The police’s undercover operation revealed that Hall first approached the decoy on May 1 of the previous year. During their conversations, Hall persistently urged the young girl to send him photographs of herself changing out of her school uniform, despite her expressing concern that her mother would disapprove. The officer noted that Hall’s repeated requests and manipulative language were classic signs of grooming behavior, aimed at encouraging the child to send indecent images.

Throughout their exchanges, Hall admitted to being sexually excited and even described stimulating himself during the conversation. He also encouraged the girl to join other social media platforms, including Kik Messenger, where he used the alias ‘Max Power’. When arrested, Hall did not deny his actions; instead, he accepted responsibility. Authorities found on his computer hundreds of images depicting child abuse, including over an hour of videos showing children as young as three being exploited.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Hannah Squire, detailed the extent of Hall’s online activities. The evidence showed that the offending behavior occurred over a few months, from March to June of the previous year. Hall’s defense, represented by Nicholas Wragg, acknowledged the short duration of the offending but emphasized Hall’s remorse and efforts to seek help. Wragg explained that Hall was battling drug addiction at the time, which he claimed contributed to his behavior. The defendant’s wife had reportedly given him an ultimatum regarding his substance misuse, prompting him to cease using drugs such as crack cocaine.

Despite the serious nature of the crimes, the judge, Judge Jason Taylor QC, opted to impose a suspended sentence, recognizing Hall’s cooperation and apparent remorse. The court sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for 24 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffended. Additionally, Hall was ordered to complete a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program, perform 200 hours of unpaid community work, and participate in 20 days of further rehabilitative activities. The judge emphasized that while the crimes were grave, Hall’s subsequent actions and willingness to change could benefit the community in the long term.