Leeds Man Jailed For 15 Years For Child Sex Abuse

A man who carried out sickening and degrading offences against a boy and girl aged six and three has been given an extended jail sentence.

Luke Hall, 27, formerly of Blenheim View, Woodhouse, but now of no fixed address, had denied the charges at Leeds Crown Court but was found guilty of 10 counts of abuse against the children. 

They included;

• Two counts of assault by penetration
• Four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• And four of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard that the abuse took place over a three-and-half-year period in the Wakefield area. 

The judge, Recorder Matthew Happold, told Hall, “It was clear from the trial, it was evident the psychological toll your abuse has had on the children. The jury found it very difficult to watch [the video evidence given by the young victims].

“You continue to deny your offending. The best points that can be made is that you were young at the time of the offending and having had a difficult childhood yourself.”

He gave Hall a 14-year jail sentence, with a one-year extended licence period. He must serve two-thirds of the sentence before being considered for parole, rather than at the usual half-way point.

He was also put on the sex offender register for life and given a lifelong sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

This case is just another example that illustrates the fact that, no matter their age, young or old, if they are courageous enough to come forward, the voices of the victims will be heard and that those who are convicted face significant custodial sentences.

It was plain to see that the way in which they gave their evidence went a long way in convincing the jury of Hall’s guilt, despite the trauma they would have suffered in doing so.