STEPHEN HALLAM FROM PRESTWICH FOUND DEAD IN RUNCORN BEFORE SENTENCING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON SCHOOLGIRLS

In a tragic and disturbing development, Stephen Hallam, a 62-year-old piano, music, and singing teacher from Prestwich, Greater Manchester, was discovered dead in Runcorn just one day before he was scheduled to face sentencing for serious sexual offenses involving two young schoolgirls.

Hallam was reported missing to authorities after concerns about his welfare arose, prompting a search that ultimately led to the grim discovery. His body was found hanging in bushes in Preston Brook early on Thursday morning, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The police have indicated that his death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report is being prepared for the coroner ahead of an official inquest.

Prior to his death, Hallam had entered a guilty plea at Bolton Crown Court in May to four counts of sexual assault involving two girls under the age of 13. These charges stemmed from incidents that occurred over a period spanning from July 2010 to December 2011, with some offenses occurring between March 2011 and July 2012. His guilty plea was entered on the first day of what was supposed to be a trial scheduled to commence on May 9.

According to court records, the charges included two instances of Hallam kissing one of his victims on the lips, and a third involving him touching her chest. The fourth charge involved him kissing the second schoolgirl on the lips. These acts of abuse were committed during his time as a tutor, during which he advertised himself online as a professional instructor capable of teaching piano, singing, and music theory. His advertisements also claimed he offered coaching for performing arts students preparing for auditions or shows, as well as for music students studying for GCSE exams or college entry.

Alarm was raised when both victims contacted Childline, a 24-hour counseling service operated by the NSPCC, and confided in them about the abuse. Following these disclosures, police were contacted, and an investigation was launched. Hallam’s disappearance was reported to Greater Manchester Police after concerns about his well-being prompted authorities to initiate a search.

At approximately 5:23 a.m. on Thursday, Cheshire Police confirmed that the body of a man reported as missing had been found. The police have stated that there are no indications of foul play, and the case is being prepared for a coroner’s inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.