Sentencing of paedophile, 82, delayed after fall

The sentencing of a pensioner who could die behind bars after abusing children has been delayed after he was taken to hospital.

Barrie Hall, 82, had been told he faced a prison sentence in "double digits" after admitting offences against three schoolgirls.

He was due to be sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court earlier, but was detained in hospital following a fall on Thursday.

Hall, of St Andrew's Gardens, Lincoln, pleaded guilty to nine offences, including rape and sexual assault, when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on 10 April.

His offending covered a period of 40 years.

Anna Soubry, defending, said Hall was under no illusion about the long jail sentence he faced but told the court he was likely to remain in hospital for "two or three days."

At a previous hearing, she said Hall knew that "at his age there is every chance he will never be released from prison".

Recorder John Hardy KC admitted the adjournment would cause great anxiety and sadness to his victims, who had attended court to see him sentenced.

He said Hall needed to be present and agreed to adjourn sentencing until 19 June.

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