Ipswich Paedophile Jailed for Five-and-a-Half Years

An Ipswich paedophile who downloaded and distributed indecent images and videos of children, including babies, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison.

Edmund Hall, 47, was sentenced by Judge Emma Peters at Ipswich Crown Court. Judge Peters described some of the material found on Hall's phone as "horrific," particularly those depicting the abuse of babies. She stated: "For some inexplicable reason you have an interest in the sexual abuse of babies."

The court heard that Hall, who joined the Catholic priesthood at age 17, had repressed his sexuality. In May 2021, police seized an iPhone from Hall's home and discovered over 200 indecent images and videos of children. 58 images and 55 videos were classified as Level A, the most serious category, while 60 images and 16 videos fell into Level B and 15 images into Level C. Some of the children depicted were under a year old.

In addition to the indecent images and videos, a prohibited image of a child was also found. Hall had used search terms like "babies," "paedo," "younger," and "rape" to locate the material. Evidence also indicated that Hall had been sharing these images and videos with others and providing advice on how to conceal their activities.

Hall pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and videos of children, one count of possessing a prohibited image of a child, five counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order, and four counts of distributing indecent images of children. He has previous convictions for similar offenses dating back to 2013.

Hall is currently subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, which will continue. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period.

Defense attorney Lynne Shirley stated that Hall was remorseful and had spent time in custody.