Man jailed for attempting to halt sexual assault investigation in Bacup
Liam Hall conspired with his mother to retract statements from witnesses
A man has been jailed after conspiring to obstruct an ongoing investigation into his offences from behind bars.
Liam Hall, 29, who previously sexually assaulted a woman in Bacup, was remanded to HMP Preston in June last year.
During his time on remand, Hall attempted to interfere with the investigation into his alleged offences.
Working with his mother
Liam Hall contacted his mother, Amanda Hall, via the prison phone half an hour after an interview with Lancashire Police about further sexual offences against the same victim.
He directed Amanda to speak with witnesses in the case and encouraged her to get them to withdraw their statements.
Over subsequent phone calls, the duo discussed witnesses, where Amanda advised her son to 'lie his back out on the stand' suggesting that the court would not be able to prove he was lying.
Investigations revealed Amanda had contacted two witnesses, and Hall sent multiple emails to the victim through a prisoner service email account, urging her to drop the charges.
Court trial and sentencing
Both Liam and Amanda Hall appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing on 10th July, after being found guilty by a jury in May of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Additionally, Liam Hall was found guilty of sexual assault by penetration, assault causing actual bodily harm, and perverting the course of justice.
He received a five-year prison sentence, was placed on the sex offenders register, and was given a 10-year restraining order in relation to his victim.
Amanda Hall received a nine-month suspended prison sentence for 18 months and was ordered to complete 140 hours of community service.
Detective Constable Dan Healey from the East Division Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team said, “Liam Hall assaulted and sexually assaulted his victim, then deliberately set about trying to interfere with the investigation into his offending.
From inside prison where he had been remanded by the court, Hall plotted with his mum to contact witnesses and get them to withdraw their statements.
What they did strikes at the heart of the justice system.
The victim of Liam Hall’s offending showed a huge deal of bravery in reporting the offences and then giving evidence at the trial.
Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated by Lancashire Police.
If you have been a victim, please report it. You will be supported and we will thoroughly investigate in a bid to bring offenders to justice.”