Pensioner jailed for historic sex offences on young boy

Colin Hall, aged 79, admitted to seven counts of indecent assaults between 1984 and 1988 at an earlier hearing and was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

The man came forward to speak to West Midlands Police in 2018 via the Rape and Sexual Violence Project which is a service providing support to those who have been subjected to sexual violence in Birmingham and Solihull.

Specially trained officers from the force's Public Protection Unit then started an investigation into the allegations.

A video interview with him and the details provided were crucial in securing a conviction against Hall.

He said he met Hall when he was a young boy and he introduced him to his dogs which they would then take for walks.

Hall started buying him gifts and alcohol, leading the victim to believe he was a friend who treated him as an adult.

After around a year, Hall started to subject him to sexual encounters and told him to not to tell anyone or else they would get in trouble. This continued for around four years.

Detective Constable Donna Kenny, said: “Hall groomed a young boy and led him to believe they were friends, building up a strong rapport with him before manipulating him and subjecting him to several incidents of sexual abuse.

“The survivor involved in this case showed immense bravery to speak up about the offences Hall committed.

“We will always investigate allegations of historical abuse no matter how long ago it happened and I hope this conviction proves that it is never too late to tell your story.”

It’s important to note that survivors of sexual abuse are protected by law and have life-long anonymity.

To speak to the force’s Public Protection Unit, call 101 or contact RSVP (Rape & Sexual Violence Project) Birmingham on 0121 643 4136.