Derek Hall

A 73-year-old man from Southend-on-Sea has avoided immediate custody after admitting to attempting sexual communication with a child through explicit online interactions with a decoy profile pretending to be a schoolgirl.

Derek Hall, residing in Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, initiated contact on Facebook with what he believed was a young girl. Over three weeks in late 2022 or early 2023, Hall sent nude photographs of himself and participated in a nine-minute video call where he repeatedly exposed his genitals. During the call, the decoy used a childish voice and claimed her camera was disabled due to school device restrictions. Prosecutor Michael Chambers noted that Hall was aware of the girl's purported age from early in the conversation, asking about school and complimenting her appearance, stating she was 'beautiful' and expressing a desire to 'brush her hair for hours while she sat between his legs'. The interactions were clearly designed for Hall's sexual gratification, with no encouragement from the decoy, who was part of the STOP UK vigilante group that does not incite such behaviour.

Hall was arrested in January 2023 at Southend train station, where he had arrived to meet the fictitious girl. He claimed to police that any exposure was accidental and that his intentions were innocent, such as taking her for a meal. However, on the first day of his trial in September 2024, Hall pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication with a child and possessing extreme pornography; a charge of attempting to meet a child was left on file. At Basildon Crown Court on 4 November 2024, Judge Richard Conley remarked on Hall's deep denial regarding his sexual attraction to teenagers, stating, 'You did all the running... it was you and you alone that continued this communication, which was quite obviously designed for your own sexual gratification.' The judge noted a lack of remorse but accepted possible shame contributing to Hall's evasiveness.

Hall, a widower living in sheltered accommodation and reliant on a state pension due to multiple health issues, has prior convictions for nine offences including drink-driving and serious violence, but none sexual in nature. The court considered his poor health in opting not to impose immediate custody. Judge Conley added, 'I make it quite clear that had it not been for your physical ill health, I almost certainly would have ordered this sentence to take effect immediately.' Hall attempted to avoid media attention at the hearing, hiding inside the court building before being photographed outside, where he covered his face.

The case highlights the role of paedophile hunter groups like STOP UK in exposing potential offenders, with the prosecution emphasising that the decoy made no sexual overtures. Following sentencing, Hall refused to comment when questioned by the Echo about the judge's assessment of his remorse.