Man jailed after being found guilty of nine sexual offences

A man from Lincoln who was found guilty of nine sexual offences against children has been jailed.

Jason Hallam, formerly of Scopwick Place, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on Thursday, 23 May, after jurors found him guilty of indecent assault and indecency with a child under 13 last month.

The 39-year-old carried out his crimes over several years, with the earliest offence taking place in the early 2000s.

The nine charges – eight of indecent assault and one of indecency with a child under 13 – relate to two different victims.

Hallam pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault against one victim, but denied the charges relating to the other victim and was taken to trial last month on 15 April.

The trial took place over seven days and ended when jurors reached a unanimous guilty verdict for all the remaining offences after six hours of deliberation.

Today, Hallam was given a 10-year sentence, five and a half of which he will spend in jail, with the remaining time, and an additional year, set to be served on licence.

He was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was handed a sexual harm prevention order.

Hallam was also given a restraining order covering the two victims - as well as a third victim. He had pleaded guilty to similar offences relating to the third victim in the past.

It concludes a lengthy investigation by Lincolnshire Police and partner agencies across the country after allegations against Hallam were first made in 2019.

Detective Constable Caroline Pendell, who was in charge of the investigation, paid tribute to the victims who came forward in this case.

She said: “Today’s sentencing of Hallam is a day that the brave victim’s never thought would ever come.

“They feel that as children, their voices weren’t heard, but now as adults, after an approach by the police, their voices have most definitely been heard and are reflected in the sentences imposed today at Lincoln Crown Court.

“This was very much a victim centred investigation which was a collaboration of many agencies, separated not only by geography working tirelessly together over difficult conditions within the pandemic, with the sole aim of bringing Hallam to justice.”

“I wish to pay special tribute to Case Officer Julie Balodis, whom without her dedication, attention to detail and professionalism, we would not be where we are today with the outcome we have – Julie is truly an inspiration.”

If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault or offence, please report it to us as soon as possible.

Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, we want to hear from you so that we can make sure you’re safe.

If you’re not ready to talk to the police just yet, that’s OK.

Follow this link here - Support for victims of rape and sexual assault | Lincolnshire Police (lincs.police.uk) to find out what other organisations can help and support you.

You can report a rape and sexual assault here - How to report rape and sexual assault | Lincolnshire Police (lincs.police.uk)