Haitch Macklin

Haitch Macklin, a 39-year-old resident of New Devonshire Square in Higher Broughton, Salford, was convicted at Manchester Crown Court in April 2020 for serious sexual offences involving indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and two counts of showing indecent images. The court learned that Macklin had advertised a 'streaming service' of child abuse images to other individuals, utilising a device concealed in the loft of his home to distribute this horrific content.

Officers from the National Crime Agency, who investigated the case, described the footage as some of the most 'horrific and disturbing content' they had encountered. Initially, Macklin received a sentence of 20 months' imprisonment. However, the Court of Appeal later deemed this punishment 'unduly lenient' and increased it to four years, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

Following his conviction and while serving his prison sentence, Salix Homes, the landlord of the property in New Devonshire Square, initiated legal proceedings to evict Macklin. The eviction was sought on the basis that he had breached the terms of his tenancy agreement by using the property for immoral and illegal purposes, in addition to accruing rent arrears. In September 2021, a hearing at Manchester Civil Justice Centre resulted in the judge granting an outright Possession Order to Salix Homes, enabling the landlord to reclaim the property.

Sue Sutton, chief executive of Salix Homes, commented on the decision: 'We welcome the court’s decision in this case to evict convicted paedophile Haitch Macklin, who has committed the most abhorrent and heinous of crimes while living at this property. Salix Homes is committed to ensuring our communities remain safe places to live and we have no doubt in our minds that if Macklin would have returned to the property after he completes his prison sentence, it would have caused fear, worry and upset amongst the community.' She further emphasised that the case serves as a clear message that legal action will be taken against tenants convicted of crimes or misusing properties for illegal activities.

The eviction proceedings were reported by Salix Homes on 17 November 2021, highlighting their dedication to community safety in Salford. The involvement of the National Crime Agency underscores the national scope of the investigation into Macklin's activities.