MICHAEL JALLAND AND HIS SHOCKING PAEDOPHILE ACTS IN EASTLEIGH AND SOUTHAMPTON

Michael Jalland, a 54-year-old former football referee and convicted sex offender, has been sentenced to an indefinite imprisonment after a series of heinous crimes against young boys. His journey through the legal system reveals a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that has scared and traumatized multiple victims.

Jalland, who resided in Chamberlayne Road, Eastleigh, was found guilty of repeatedly assaulting a boy in a social club located in Southampton. The court heard that he had admitted to five separate counts of indecent assault. The victim, a young boy, was targeted during visits to a local pool and snooker hall, where Jalland demonstrated an unsettling eagerness to get close to him. Witnesses reported that Jalland would frequently try to engage the boy in games of pool, consistently positioning himself near the child, often helping with shots, all the while making inappropriate physical contact.

The incident came to light after members of the social club observed Jalland’s suspicious behavior. A woman who entered the premises recognized Jalland and was aware of his criminal history, which was publicly available. Her suspicion prompted her to inquire with the boy’s mother whether anything had happened, leading the mother to question her son. The young victim admitted that Jalland's inappropriate conduct had occurred multiple times—between 20 and 30 separate instances.

The conviction was secured at Southampton Crown Court, where prosecuting lawyer Paul Dugdale presented the case. During police interviews, Jalland confirmed the extent of his misconduct, acknowledging the repeated nature of his offenses. The judge, Derwin Hope, noted that a probation report classified Jalland as a high risk for further harm and potential sexual reconviction, underscoring the danger he poses to the community.

Looking back at his criminal history, Jalland’s first major conviction was in 1998 at Bournemouth Crown Court. At that time, he was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being found guilty of indecently assaulting three young boys aged seven, eight, and eleven. It was revealed that among his misconduct, he attempted to bribe one victim with just 50 pence in an effort to pacify the child. His time in custody led to the loss of his role as a football referee overseeing local matches for the Hampshire Football Association.

Throughout the trial proceedings, law enforcement officers testified that Jalland had been observed in the vicinity of playing fields and swimming pools, indicative of his pattern of preying on children in public spaces. His criminal behavior did not end there. While serving part of his sentence in Southampton, Jalland committed further offenses in 2000. He manipulated another young boy, aged 11, into a public restroom under false pretenses and then indecently assaulted him. The police apprehended Jalland after the victim’s mother recognized him from a court report published in the Daily Echo.

Given his repeated history of sexual offenses and the serious concerns raised by the probation report, Jalland will serve at least two years before a parole board evaluates his readiness to reintegrate into society. The court’s decision underscores the grave concern for public safety and the need to prevent further harm by this convicted predator in Eastleigh and Southampton.