Joan Albert’s Killer. Photograph of Simon Hall taken whilst at large and wanted by Suffolk police for a sexually motivated murder
The Illusory Truth Effect, Coercive Persuasion & Gaslighting of ’Innocence’ Fraud Killers & Their Enablers (Part 8)
Since the exposure of Simon Hall’s factual guilt to his murder of Joan Albert (Which he chose to commit on the 16th of December 2001) and the exposure of his fraudulent public relations campaign, most of the people and organisations who were once involved with the case and campaign (With the exception of Simon Hall’s then wife) have never publicly held their hands up and said they were wrong.
These people and organisations have never acknowledged or addressed the innocence fraud phenomenon, as opposed to the ‘miscarriage of justice’ phenomenon, which Simon Hall’s claims of innocence and fraudulent public relations campaign turned out to be.
Simon Hall married at the end of 2008, coincidentally to another woman named Stephanie, who he had worked with in 2002. Stephanie (Hall) was naive to psychopathic personality disordered people, which made her an easy target for someone like Simon Hall to groom, con and exploit. Stephanie was also taken in by a lot of the propaganda related to the ‘miscarriage of justice’ phenomenon, and she wasn’t aware of just how many people were prepared to lie, deceive and grift on behalf of a factually guilty killer like Simon Hall, in an attempt to make him appear innocent.
It is not known who Sandra Lean* was allegedly ‘compelled to help’ in 2002 but the ‘About’ page of Sandra’s online bio, for her 2008 ‘miscarriage of justice’ website here, was written by a P. Hughes.
*Sandra Lean is referred to in Part 17c here and Part 17d here of the Quite A Hall Taleblog series, Part 9 of Hornswoggler Nick Wallis & His ‘Great Post Office Scandal’here and throughout each part of The #InnocenceFraud Scam of Jodi Jones🌻 Sadistic & Psychopathic Schoolboy Killer & His Abusive Enablers blog series here.
P Hughes stated of Sandra Lean;
Since 2002 Sandra has felt compelled to help innocent victims who have suffered a major injustice. Without payment, she has spent thousands of hours going through evidence and trial transcripts with a fine toothed comb, helping the legal teams out with her time and expertise. She does this because she is passionate about helping these falsely accused and wrongfully convicted people in any way she can, and because she is appalled that the British Judicial system is as flawed as it is, letting so many people down.
P. Hughes
P. Hughes’s comment about Sandra Lean was liked by two ‘bloggers’, one JCW below;
and by Roy Catchpole, who stated here he was ‘..re-located from the dockside slum to a corporation housing estate in Ipswich. It was on this estate that I was to live a semi-rural life until the end of my teenage years. At ten years old, which was also the age of criminal responsibility, I had joined the ranks of young runaways early. Sandra Lean spoke to Roy Catchpole in 2020 here.
Retired Roy Catchpole, formerly of St Paul’s Church in Sherborne, said he didn’t understand why the victim made the accusations which have led to him facing three counts of sexual assault and one of exposure on a series of occasions between August 2013 and June 2014.
Jurors were told about the collapse of his first marriage in 1994 which was reported at the time in the national press.
Catchpole told the hearing yesterday he and his then wife became estranged over how to treat their schizophrenic son before he left the family home and started seeing another woman – a then member of his congregation – and his second wife of 17 years.
P Hughes went on to state here on the home page of Sandra Lean’s website;
When a person suffers a false allegation or a wrongful conviction, it is not just the victim who suffers. Their whole families also become innocent victims, and relationships are pushed to their limits.
When a person suffers a false allegation or a wrongful conviction, it is not just the victim who suffers. Their whole families also become innocent victims, and relationships are pushed to their limits.
P Hughes
Simon Hall was never ‘falsely accused’, he was always guilty as charged!
And Simon Hall’s family, and others, chose to lie and concoct stories in an attempt to pervert the course of justice, and all of them appear to have committed perjury.
Cover of Sandra Lean’s book ’No Smoke’ published in 2007 by Diggory press
It is not known exactly how Sandra Lean came to be involved in Simon Hall’s fraudulent public relations campaign, or all the people who Sandra spoke to in order to put together a chapter in a book she wrote and had published.
Sandra Lean’s book was/is called ‘No Smoke: The Shocking Truth About British Justice, originally published in 2007 by Diggory press, see here and here, and again in 2008 by Stephen T Manning.
Cover of Sandra Lean’s book ’No Smoke’ published in 2008 by Stephen T Manning/Checkpoint press
Sandra Lean claimed in her 2008 book, on page xiii in her introduction (Read here):
Until two years ago, I had no idea that anything was broken. I believed in the justice system, although I knew it had its faults. A chance meeting with someone who believed that a family member was a victim of a miscarriage of justice was to change all that.
Excerpt from page xiii of Introduction of Sandra Lean’s 2008 book No Smoke
Which suggests, P. Hughes claim in Sandra’s About section of her website where they stated, ‘Since 2002 Sandra has felt compelled to help innocent victims’, could well be an exaggeration, made up, or related to something else as opposed to ‘miscarriages of justice’. Read here for more on Sandra Lean’s ‘until two years ago comment’.
It is thought Stephanie Bon may have met Sandra Lean via the contacts she had made via her fraudulent public relations campaigning, or vice verse.
Stephanie Bon is referred to in Part 2 of Quite A Hall Talehere, Part 4 here, Part 5 here, Part 7 here, Part 9 here, Part 9a here, Part 9b here and Part 10a here, Part 11 here, Part 12 here, Part 12a here, Part 14 here, Part 16 here, Part 17c here, Part 17d here, Part 17e here, Part 17f here, at page 52 of the criminal cases review commission’s statement of reasons here and Part 3 of the ongoing Warped Minded Abuser, Gaslighter, Con Artist & Hypocrite Scott Forbes & His Blatant Lies blog series here.
Stephanie Bon
It is not known if Stephanie Bon ever told Sandra Lean about the stolen items from the Zenith Windows burglary, or if Stephanie Bon ever spoke to Sandra Lean about her relationship with Simon Hall, and of any, or all of the details regarding the Christmas family meal in Lincolnshire, which Stephanie Bon didn’t end up attending; on the day her boyfriend committed his murder of Joan Albert.
In 2007 Private Eye Magazine published an article headed Diggory Pockery (Edition 1202), which referred to Sandra Lean and Stephen T Manning (Who was referred to here as ‘the evil liar’). ‘Would-be author’ and fraudster Stephen T Manning was named in the article by one of his many pseudonym’s, Jack Havana;
Stephen T Manning stated of Sandra’s book, he published in 2008;
Sandra Lean’s NO SMOKE offers a vitally-important contribution to British social awareness. Already the subject of much debate within the judicial system, this book reviews seven specific real-life cases and in doing so exposes some truly shocking practices within the UK justice system. The cases are exhaustively researched and documented in an easy-to-read contemporary style, and the conclusions presented in an articulate and professional format. Review copies have been highly praised, and the book has already been recommended by sitting judiciary as an insightful (if rather disturbing) guide to the inner workings of British justice.
Sandra Lean’s book wasn’t ‘exhaustively researched’ as Stephen Manning claimed, because Sandra never had access to all the case files, she didn’t attend every day of Simon Hall’s trial, and appears to have instead relied on the media and the word of people like Stephanie Bon and the Hall family – all of whom lied.
Also there is no evidence anywhere that Sandra Lean’s book was ‘recommended by sitting judiciary’, this was a gross misrepresentation.
Jodi Jones killer’s mother also attempted to suggest something similar in April 2010 (See here for original forum post), reproduced in part below;
It also comes recommended by the c.c.r.c.!.
Sandra received an e~mail from a female saying the c.c.r.c. had recommended her book and could she get a copy.
Corinne Mitchell – 9th of April 2009
Someone contacted the CCRC (criminal cases review commission) around the same time to ask if Sandra Lean’s book had been recommended by them and their reply (Which can be read here) is reproduced in part below:
I asked: “Could you please tell me if CCRC recommends a book named No Smoke by Sandra Lean to its clients?”
The answer to your question is no, the Commission does not recommend this book to its applicants.
Justin Hawkins
Stephanie Bon commented underneath Stephen T Manning, stating in part;
Justice 4 Simon, Justice for all, Miscarriages of justice are happening all around us, everyday, it’s fact!! Sandra Lean eloquently explores various areas of the legal system and details a few cases amongst so many others. The current British legal system does not allow people to maintain their innocence without paying the price:- bullying and abuse, “psychological reports” claiming an “in denial” attitude and refusal to admit guilt therefore take responsibility for their actions ending ultimately with no chances of parole.
DON’T make the mistake of thinking that you can rely on the system to put things right, you will be waiting a very long time. Thank you Sandra for your hard work (sic)
Stephanie Bon
Stephen T Manning
In 2017 Mayo News reported here that Stephen T Manning ‘..was jailed for a breach of Section 6 of the Public Order Act – which is for the offence of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place’. The incident occurred in 2015.
As stated in Part 17 here, manipulative killers who falsely claim to be innocent and who choose to launch fraudulent public relations campaigns, utilise a plethora of psychological tactics like coercive persuasion, the illusorytruth effect and gaslighting to help promote their propaganda, as do many of their enablers.
It was not only the ruthless lies and deception of Joan Albert’s killer Simon Hall that allowed his innocence fraud to begin, and continue on for as long as it did, it was also because he was enabled by many other deceptive people, including charlatan and fraudster Sandra Lean.
The double bindis a dilemma in communication in which an individual (or group) receives two or more reciprocally conflicting messages. Double binds are often utilised as a form of control without open coercion
Phil Hall used double binds when giving evidence to Suffolk police.
His first statement, which he made 4 days after Joan Albert’s murder, read as follows;
We have lived at our present address for about 20 years
During the past 2 years my wife has become quote involved with an elderly lady called Joan Albert, who lived on Boydland, Capel St Mary.
My wife would call upon Mrs Albert on a regular basis basically to oversee her welfare. She would often help out and walk Mrs Albert’s dog
I didn’t really have too much to do with Mrs Albert myself, but if I saw her I would engage into conversation with her, this mainly covered her dog’s welfare and other general topics
Mrs Albert would ring us about 2-3 times a week, if I picked the telephone up I would normally pass it directly to my wife
In my opinion I felt Mrs Albert was quite lonely and that was the reason for her to call us on a regular basis.
She was quite frail and became quite concerned about her dog ’Rusty’ (sic) ill health. I was led to believe she herself had problems with her heart and her leg. I also knew that she had recently been to hospital about a hernia in her abdomen
Mrs Albert never really spoke to me about her own family, to me, this was mainly spoken about to my wife
The last time I recall going to Mrs Albert actual home address was about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I either drove or walked to her home, I didn’t knock on the door as I was only dropping off an envelope containing gas canisters for her hair curlers.
I opened the letterbox and just pushed them through. Mrs Albert did not come to the door. I believe ’Rusty’ the dog was sitting on the window seat on the hallway. Fortunately I didn’t disturb the dog
Around 9.15pm on Saturday 15th December 2001, I was at home when I received a telephone call from Mrs Albert.
She was ringing to check on my wife’s welfare as she had come down with a bad cold. She also stated that ’Rusty’ was missing her friend, this was her usual way of being friendly.
I knew my wife couldn’t come to the phone as she was in bed unwell, so I carried on my conversation with her.
Mrs Albert explained to me someone had taken ’Rusty’ for a walk that afternoon but he had collapsed and had to be carried home.
She was obviously distressed and concerned about her dog
She went on to say that she wouldn’t know what to do without her dog.
I tried to reassure her, but on the other hand being realistic, stating that ’Rusty’ was also an elderly dog.
So in an attempt to lighten the conversation I made a jovial comment and said ”What you need is a toy boy”.
She instantly laughed and stated she wasn’t into that sort of thing, but it would be nice if she could get dressed up, be taken out for the night, then taken home and dropped off and nothing else
We carried on the banter for a while about her ideal man, in her case it was Howard Keel from Dallas
The conversation ended, Mrs Albert was fairly happy and it had cheered her up, we said our goodbyes and I told her I would tell Lynn she had called
I believe the conversation lasted no more than 10 minutes.
On Sunday 16th December, my wife, son and myself went out for the day, we arrived home late evening, I noticed the Police ’Closed’ sign along Boydland, and having listened to our Answerphone messages we discovered that an incident occurred with Mrs Albert
Phil Hall’s police witness statement dated 20th December 2001
Phil Hall told police he didn’t have much to do with Mrs Albert and if he saw her hewould talk to her mainly about her dogs welfare and other general topics.
Yet he also claimed to the police on the night before his adoptive son Simon Hall had murdered Joan Albert, Phil had spoken to her about a “toy boy” and that there had been “banter” between them.
None of which sounds plausible, and Joan Albert could obviously not verify what Phil Hall claimed to police, as he well knew.
Phil Hall’s 2nd and last statement was made on the day his adoptive son Simon was arrested, excerpts read;
We have two children Shaun who is 26 and Simon who is nearly 25
Both the boys are probably closer to their mother than they are me and would go to her with any problems they may have.
I should add that we have always been open and honest with them regarding the adoption
Since Simon left school I have found his to be better behaved and more balanced when in a stable relationship.
He is a likeable boy and makes friends easily.
Simon had one particularly bad patch in his life which probably lasted about a year.
That started when he left school things having got on top of him, he became more depressed after his ex girlfriend died of meningitis.
I think that incident affected him deeply and things became very difficult at home.
Simon was quite intelligent if he applied himself and passed gis driving test soon after his 17th birthday
I knew Mrs Albert through Lynne who had become very close to her.
I went to the house a few times without Lynne but only to put things through the letterbox, I never picked the dog up without Lynne
To my knowledge neither of the boys knew Joan Albert.
I don’t know if any of the boys spoke to her on the phone. I thought Joan was comfortable not rich.
I spoke to Lynne often about Mrs Albert but never neither of the boys although they may have been present when Lynne and I were talking.
I sometimes felt Lynne was being put on but never voiced my concerns
On the 15th December 2001 my wife was upstairs unwell in bed, I don’t know when Simon left the house or even if I saw him at all that day.
I do not know what he was wearing that day at all
I recall that Lynne had asked Simon to make sure he was back in time to leave for Stoke Rochford in Lincolnshire where we had a family do.
I think we left about 8.30am on the Sunday. I went to bed quite late and apart from the phone call off of Mrs Albert at about 9.15am I don’t recall any other phone calls being received and I don’t recall making any.
I don’t recall what he was wearing that day but photographs were taken that day.
As far as I remember Simon was fairly quiet that morning but I think that was tiredness and he slept in the car.
I am willing to assist the police in this matter
Excerpts from Phil Hall’s police witness statement dated 25th July 2002
Phil Hall stated “I don’t know when Simon left the house or even if I saw him at all that day“ but he did “recall that Lynne had asked Simon to make sure he was back in time to leave for Stoke Rochford”.
The above is yet another example of Phil Hall’s double binds or conflicting statements, whereby one statement negates the other.
22nd December 2001: Killer Simon Hall Bought New Replacement Black Office Shoes
Below is a transcript of a typed note contained within the legal notes relating to Phil Hall’s shoes;
When Simon returned to live with his parents following the break-up of his relationship with Zoe ******* he had little or no clothes apart from the tee shirt, jeans and trainers which he stood up in. He had no decent shoes
As a consequence, he did borrow his father, Phil’s shoes in order to have decent shoes to wear when going out or when going for job interviews
Simon takes a size 9 – 10. Phil takes a size 10.5 – 11
In December 2001 he was probably still borrowing decent shoes from his dad when not otherwise wearing his trainers or brown boots.
As far as Lynne can remember, Simon did not get round to buying any decent shoes of his own until January 2002 when he would have had some Christmas money to spend
The police have not taken any of Phil’s shoes for cross matching or comparison
Notes re: shoes
In reality killer Simon Hall purchased a new pair of replacement black office shoes at Freeport shopping centre in Braintree on the 22nd December 2001, when he was with Donna (not her real name), as can be read in Part 5 by tapping on the button below;
He had disposed of the shoes he was wearing when he had committed his murder on the 17th of December and had apparently put them in an industrial waste bin near to where he worked at State Chemical’s in Colchester, Essex.
He used the excuse to drive to work on the Monday morning to speak to his line manager to request some time off work in order to dispose of his clothing, shoes and black leather jacket so that these items would be as far away from Capel St Mary as possible.
And the little or no clothes comment was another exaggeration.
Whilst killer Simon Hall may have borrowed his adoptive father Phil Hall’s shoes in the past, he was not wearing Phil’s shoes when he murdered Joan Albert.
Therefore there would have been no point taking any of Phil’s shoes for cross matching or comparison as this was another of the Hall families distraction tactics, attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The Audi motor vehicle Simon Hall viewed and paid for on Wednesday the 12th December 2001 when he was with his girlfriend Stephanie Bon, and picked up on the morning of Saturday the 15th December went on to develop problems.
In a further statement Simon Hall said;
I make this short statement by way of commentary on the witness evidence set out in the bundle of statements served under the heading ’Notice of Further Evidence’ with correspondence received from the Crown Prosecution Service dated 10th October 2002.
I brought that motor vehicle on the 12th December 2001
This was a Wednesday. I paid £450 cash.
Stephanie Bon was with me.
I had the car no more than a week when the gearbox fell out and the exhaust blew a hole.
I telephoned the garage and was told to bring the car back for a refund.
As a consequence I hired a trailer to return to the garage with the car I believe on or about the 29th December
The trailer was hired through Local Tool Hire (Ipswich) Ltd.
I note that one of my phone calls to them is set out in the phone records produced in this further evidence bundle by way of an exhibit to the Crown witness Andrew ******* Cadman
When I arrived at the garage with the car there was no one there
I had a wasted journey and subsequently telephoned the garage owner again.
He denied ever saying that he would be there to receive the car back.
He refused to give me a refund, told me I had bought the car as seen and it was tough luck if there happened to be problems with it
I believe my father tried to help me resolve the matter by speaking to the garage owner at least once if not twice and Court action would have been mentioned by my father of no satisfactory resolution could be reached
After my father spoke to the garage owner I telephoned them again and asked them if I was going to have to take this matter to Court.
It was at that point he drew a cheque on the company ‘Havertyre’ for £200 to settle the matter
In so far as Lee *********’s statement is concerned it is highly accurate given that my purchase of the vehicle was on Wednesday 12th December, an auction day when Lee ********* believes that he was in attendance at the garage.
The only error appears to be in his recollection of when I actually completed the purchase, he believing it to have happened by my collecting the car the following Saturday 15th December.
This is not true.
I paid for the car having decided to buy it there and then and was given a note from the garage owner Peter ******** regarding the tax of the vehicle all on the 12th December
I note the documentation the garage would otherwise have held in relation to the transaction has been lost in a burglary
Witness: ********, Peter James
This is the garage proprietor with whom I had most of the telephone calls hassling to get a partial refund owning to the defects in the vehicle.
He says that I brought it on the 15th December.
In this regard his colleague, Lee *********’s recollection is better and more accurate.
The purchase was made and completed on the 12th December.
In most respects his statement is reasonably accurate
Excerpts from Simon Hall’s October 2002 statement
According To Lynne Hall, Her Husband Phil Wanted To Strip DS Lambert Of His Medal
It was announced in March 2007 under the header Leading detective to retire that detective superintendent Roy Lambert, who headed up the investigation into Joan Albert’s murder, was set to retire.
Lynne Hall would go on to claim her husband Phil Hall “wanted to strip DS Lambert of his medal”.
The news article stated;
In March 1981, then aged 30 and working as a detective sergeant, he was confronted by a criminal armed with a sawn-off shotgun.
The gunman shot at Mr Lambert and another detective, both of whom were unarmed and only around 15 feet away.
Mr Lambert was later presented with the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and was praised for his “very gallant action in the line of duty”
Evening Star article headed Leading detective to retire dated 22nd March 2007
Following the criminal cases review commision’s 14th October 2009 announcement they were referring Simon Hall’s murder conviction to the court of appeal, Phil Hall made a public statement;
We are delighted, but at the moment I am somewhere between elation and shock.
We knew the commission were being very, very thorough and would not expect it to be anything less
This is evidence to us, yet again, that Simon is where he should not be
Killer Simon Hall and the Hall family members, Shaun, Lynne and Phil Hall utilised a plethora of diversionary tactics to help Simon avoid responsibility for his murder of Joan Albert.
The Hall families deceptive tactics started with their initial contact with Suffolk police, their police interviews and witness statements and continued through Simon Hall’s February 2003 trial.
Their lies, deceptive and diversionary tactics also permeated their fraudulent public relations campaign which followed.
Simon Hall’s adoptive mother Lynne Hall gave numerous conflicting accounts to Suffolk police and used various types of lies, distractions and manipulative tactics in an attempt to deflect away attention and cover up for her adoptive son.
This included in relation to when killer Simon Hall arrived at her and her husband Phil’s house on the morning of Sunday the 16th December 2001, having literally just committed murder.
In Lynne Hall’s first police witness statement, two days after her friends murder, she shared a new memory.
Lynne Hall offered up two possible new suspects, in what appeared to be an obvious attempt to draw attention away from her youngest adoptive killer son.
Lynne Hall told police;
I have since remembered an incident that I found disturbing at the time.
On the Monday or Tuesday of the previous week the 10th and 11th December I was rushing to get home.
I was walking past the village bar which is part of the village hall. I had been to see my friend Barbara ****** who lives in Longperry.
I was walking back home and took a short cut across the village green and past the village hall and bar. It was very dark. I think the time would be around 5.30pm.
I wasn’t expecting to see anybody. Suddenly I noticed a youth jump off the roof and he landed right beside me, almost immediately a second youth jumped down almost landing on the first.
The first one who jumped was 19 into his early 20’s. I got the impression he had short dark hair and was wearing dark clothing. I got the impression that he had a pleasant face, he seemed to look at me before moving off.
Again I got the impression they seemed guilty but I thought they had possibly been smoking up there. Both were white men.
The second one was thinner and of the same age, he was wearing a casual white jacket and either a white hood or a hat. The second man looked at me but not full in the face. The second man actually looked back at me.
None of them said anything. I don’t think I did. I just exclaimed out loud. I don’t think that I would recognise them again.
I did think about ringing the barman Trevor ***** who is a builder in the village, in fact I didn’t do that. That roof is quite high with a flat roof. I believe from that roof Joan’s house could be seen
Excerpts from Lynne Hall police witness statement dated 18th December 2001
It is not known if Lynne Hall also got the impression her youngest adoptive son Simon Hall seemed guilty when she first saw him at 6.28am, when he turned up at 8 Snowcroft on that Sunday morning in the black larey and loud shirt with thered splashes over it.
Lynne Hall would not see this shirt again after it was disposed of on the Monday morning.
In her second police witness statement Lynne Hqll appeared to want to expand on what she had told police on the 18th December 2001. Lynne stated;
Further to my original statement I would like to add the following information.
As I was such good friends with Mrs Albert and would often be in her house I saw her bedroom on several occasions.
Joan had a bedside table that was built in the headboard in a complete unit. Usually next to her bed she would have a reading book, reading glasses, usually a drink either water or tea, a mobile phone, although I think that may have changed towards the end.
I think her tablets were also there, she was on both heart and water tablets, the tablets made her get up quite often at night.
Joan also kept Rusty’s tablets by her bedside table but only when the dog was playing up and had not taken them.
Joan did suffer from indigestion and when she was suffering would get her Gaviscon out. It was her indigestion that would often mean she would have a light snack at around 5pm and maybe a dry biscuit later in the evening
Going back to the week before Mrs Albert’s death, I think that on the Tuesday night, the 11th of December, I went round to my friend Barbara ******’s house, she lives at Long Perry in Capel.
I know (sic) Barbara years as we used to work together at Boots and I now take her dog to agility, I think I walked Molly, her dog, before it got dark maybe around 3.15 to 3.30 pm. I spoke to Barbara at her house for some time but I remember I wanted to be home by 5 pm as I was collecting for the RSPCA that evening.
I walked home via the pathways, I have marked a map of Capel area with my route between Long Perry and my home address, I produce the plan as exhibit RLH/1.
As I walked down the side of the bar which is at the back of the village hall two youths jumped down off the roof almost onto me.
There is a footway down there and it was almost at the point where the path joins the alley that runs between Vine Walk and Boydlands. I have marked my plan with a cross at this point.
I cannot remember the exact time this was, but I was only a few minutes from home, so I think it would be about 5pm. When I got home Philip was at home because I used the car to collect so I think it was definitely that Tuesday.
The youths jumped from the flat roof above the door to the Vine Lounge, that is about 7-8 feet off the ground and has asphalt on the top, above that there is a much bigger roof which again is flat but has a wall round it so people can, and do, go up there.
These two youths were aged from 19 – early 20’s, they were certainly not the group that had been bothering Joan. The first one jumped off and landed almost beside me startling me, I exclaimed out loud ’You made me jump’ the youth did not say anything, but looked at me and moved away towards the front of the village hall, the second one jumped down a few seconds later. I got the impression because the roofs were staged the second one had been coming down from the higher level when the first was jumping down.
Now I seem to recall two thuds from him. The second man did not say anything either but they both walked round the corner together. I cannot add anything further regarding their descriptions from my first statement.
From that corner of the roof of the village hall you would have a clear view into Joan Albert’s rear garden, which diagonally would only be 15-20 yards away.
Excerpts from Lynne Halls police witness statement dated 14th February 2002
On the 7th of February 2002 the Evening Star newspaper ran a story headed Truck Driver Cluein Murder Hunt. It read;
A pick-up truck driver might have vital information that could help track down the killer of murdered Suffolk pensioner Joan Albert.
Detectives hunting the killer of the 79-year-old from Capel St Mary are anxious to speak to the driver of a white, flat back truck seen parked in the village’s shopping precinct, near to the church hall, at around 4.50am on Sunday, December 16, last year.
Widow Mrs Albert was found dead in the hallway of her Boydlands home at around 10am the same day. Her body was peppered with stab wounds.
Detective Superintendent Roy Lambert, who is heading the murder hunt, said: “Several people have said that a white truck, similar to a Ford P100, was parked in the car park near the church hall in the very early hours of Sunday morning.
“I would like to emphasise that we have no reason to believe that the driver of this vehicle was involved in the attack on Mrs Albert. However, we urgently need to speak to them as they may have seen something that could prove to be important to our inquiry.
“The truck is of a fairly common type and could belong to a local farmer, builder or other trades person. I would like to appeal directly to whoever was in that truck to contact the inquiry team so that we can check if they saw anything and then eliminate them from our investigation.”
It is almost eight weeks since Mrs Albert was killed and since the launch of the murder inquiry, police have received more than 450 calls from members of the public offering information which have generated more than 1,400 lines of inquiry. Officers have taken over 360 statements.
Det Supt Lambert said:
“This inquiry has received a great deal of support from the community, media and the general public and this is reflected in the volume of information that has been generated to date.
“However, we still need to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of the Boydlands between 9pm on Saturday, December 15, and 9am the following day.
The pick-up truck driver, or anyone else with information, should contact the murder incident room on 01473 613777 .
The Evening Star and Capel businesses are offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.
Lynne Hall jumped on the police appeal and in response went on to tell police;
I have recently seen a press release where the police were appealing for a white vehicle.
In the early part of the week prior to Joan Albert’s death I saw what I thought was a small white grubby workmans type van in the Co-op car park facing the childrens swings level with the Chinese Takeaway.
The vehicle had a small cab with a flat back, which had low sides, I think it was about dinnertime because there was a two men in the cab and I remember thinking they would be having dinner.
I got the impression that they were in their 30 or 40’s, both men were white and looked like workmen. The van was not signwritten, I did not look in the back.
I saw the same vehicle again later on in the week, either the Thursday or Friday, this time there was nobody in the cab. I think it was again during the day and it was parked in the village hall car park facing towards the swings and the Co-op car park, in fact almost opposite where I had seen it before. I got the impression it was empty, there was nothing over the sides and I did not see any building material
I am willing to assist police in this matter and will attend court if required
Excerpt from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated 14th February 2002
However an excerpt from page 36 of the judges summing up from Simon Hall’s February 2003 trial read;
A white pickup was reported by one villager as seen at 4.50 in the morning of Sunday the 16th, Superintendent Lambert told you there was then an effort to trace it, although there was no suggestion at all that it had been involved and whether or not it had ever been there at all, whether the lady was accurate or mistaken as to date.
The effort the police made with the help of the media was not only so as to try and find it, but also so as to keep up the publicity momentum, hoping to encourage the emergence of other potentially useful information
Although Lynne Hall may or may not have seen the grubby workmans type van, as she described it the police would no doubt have been interested in what she told them.
It is not known how many informants contacted the police following their appeal about the white pickup truck but it’s possible Lynne Hall’s story may have also sparked police suspicions regarding her behaviour.
On the same day her adoptive son Simon Hall was asked to make a formal police witness statement as a TIE suspect, Lynne Hall was also asked to make a third statement, in full it read;
Further to my previous statements in relation to the night of Saturday 15th December 2001 in which I described being ill and spending most of the day and night in bed.
Quite early on the morning of Sunday 16th December 2001 I got up to make a cup of tea.
I was in the kitchen the time was approximately 6.00am to 6.30am when Simon my son came home
We had a brief conversation in which Simon mentioned about being in Ipswich that night and he then went to bed
Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated 7th March 2002
On the day of her adoptive sons arrest however, Lynne Hall stated;
I was up making a tea when he got in, he seemed happy and said he had had a good time, I remember he said he was tired and asked if he had time to get an hours sleep.
I can’t remember if he did.
We certainly had a cup of tea and a chat, it was not unusual to see him come in then.
I don’t remember what he was wearing when he came in.
In any event he got changed before going out for the day.
I don’t remember what he was wearing but we did take several family photographs of the day.
If he was wearing a jacket it would have been a cream designer shiney type jacket with a warm lining.
I was up in the kitchen when Simon got in but I do not recall the time.
The phone is in the lounge and if it does ring I usually wake up.
We did talk and he wanted to know how I had been, I got the impression a girl was involved and as his mum I did not want to dig too deep
Simon appeared to enjoy our family day and was his usual entertaining self.
When we left to go to Lincolnshire Simon’s black Audi was parked on the left of the drive towards the kitchen window.
When we got home that Sunday I was feeling ill again, I did not do any washing until the Monday or Tuesday.
Phil and I have a laundry basket in the shower room and I think that morning he put his clothes in there, often though he would leave them in his room and I would pick them up and wash them.
Going to Lincolnshire we rook Phil’s company Ford Mondeo and we actually left about 8.30am. I would say that over Christmas Simon was in a fairly good frame of mind even though he had had the problem with Zoe
I am willing to assist police in this matter and will attend court if required
Excerpts from Lynne Hall’s 25th July 2002 police witness statement
It is not known what Lynne and Phil Hall thought about their adoptive son Simon’s missing clothing, including his black leather jacket, new trousers, larey shirt and black office shoes or if there was ever a conversation had between them all as to where his clothing, shoes and jacket had disappeared to.
The clothing, shoes and jacket Simon had been wearing on the Saturday night and during the Sunday morning when he had murdered Joan Albert, ended up in an industrial waste disposal bin situated near to State Chemicals, where he worked at the time with his girlfriend Stephanie Bon in Colchester, Essex.
Simon Hall claimed he initially put these items in the bottom of the wardrobe of bedroom 3 at 8 Snowcroft and then at some point he put them in a bag.
Then early on the Monday morning, he left his parents house and had driven to his place of employment in Colchester to see his line manager to ask for a couple of days off, using the excuse his mother Lynne was upset following her friends murder.
Simon Hall’s line manager stated;
About 9.00am on Monday 17th December 2001 I was in my office at State Chemicals when I received a telephone call on my direct line from Simon asking if I could meet him downstairs. I remember the date because my father had a heart attack and had a triple bypass on the 17th December
I went downstairs and outside into the courtyard where we used to stand to have a smoke. I can’t recall the exact words Simon used but it was something like ‘could he possibly have a couple of days off as his neighbour had been found dead and his mum was upset’. I asked him if he was alright and he said ‘Yes, it was a bit of a shock’. I decided to let him have the time off as he seemed to be close to his mum although I had come to work myself with all the problems and my dad being unwell
Simon did seem a little upset he seemed more concerned about his mum
I believe he was wearing a pale silver and blue roll neck jumper that morning, he certainly wasn’t dressed as it he was coming into work. I cannot recall what else he had on
Excerpts from police witness statement of Simon Hall’s Line Manager at State Chemicals, Colchester dated 13th September 2002
Following her adoptive son Simon’s arrest in July 2002, Lynne Hall made a 10 page police witness statement.
Some further excerpts from Lynne’s statement read;
I would say Simon had a happy time at primary school and initially when he attended East Bergholt School. I have subsequently found that there was a bad element in Capel and at the school which centred around Simon and Shaun’s year. I think in the early stages it was a gang of local boys
The Russell family moved into the close well over 10 years ago, I am not sure of the number but from our kitchen window you can look at the side of their house. They had a family of three boys the eldest of which was around four years younger than Simon, at the moment I can’t recall their names but Mrs Russell is a nurse at Ipswich and Mr Russell, is in insurance. Initially I found W**** Russell to be quite pleasant but very soon we fell out or began to avoid them. Really this was because the eldest son caused trouble from the start, he kept urinating next to our house, caused trouble at playgroup, kicked the ball onto our garden and even cut bushes down by the side of the house. He was bullying younger kids, he got banned from Scout trips because he set fire to a tent. Eventually I came home one day at lunchtime and caught the boy throwing grass cuttings onto our lawn and when I confronted him he swore at me and called me names. I was so annoyed that I confronted *****, eventually she seemed to accept that it was down to her son, although she seemed quite nice we never ever got on after that and the relationship deteriorated very badly. All the boys seemed to follow the same pattern as the oldest Russell. After that there were all manner of minor problems and W**** Russell was always over complaining and usually it was about Simon. It got to the point where we would not even open the door to them. As the situation developed over the years it was clear that the family did not like Simon, the Russell’s meanwhile continued causing problems at school and the police were even called regarding the Russell children making false calls
Simon did okay at school and passed five or six GCSE’s, he began the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He continued onto the Sixth Form and I think that’s where Simon’s drug problems began. The Sixth Form was actually at Chantry, when he began the Sixth Form he started to get really down on himself, he got moody, had moodswings became argumentative it seemed that it was directed against himself, he lost confidence and went into a downward spiral
It was about six months into the school year when Abbey who had been his girlfriend died of meningitis, at the time of her death they were just very good friends. Her death hit him very hard and I think he got depressed and his school work suffered even more. We went to see the headteacher and although he felt that Simon had the potential to get his A levels the problems had become too much, eventually it was decided that Simon should leave. Simon spent some time at home and Phil and I talked to him at length about his career
I can’t remember exactly when but both boys spent some time at the Little Chef on a part time basis. Over this period of time I was beginning to find items that I thought were related to drugs, I thought it was Shaun as he had been going to Raves and I spoke to him about it. I have subsequently thought about it and feel that Simon may have been taking illegal drugs at that time
At the time while Simon was on bail the Russells accused Simon of kicking their car in Snowcroft. I was at home with Shaun and we went over to speak to them, in fact Phil, Shaun and his girlfriend went over and I remained at home. Simon was not staying at home but I think Shaun had told him what had taken place. Subsequently Simon was arrested and convicted of assault on the Russell boy and sentenced to seventeen months in prison. I think Simon was released since November/October 1997, to my knowledge he has not been in trouble since
Excerpts from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated 25th July 2002
However the Russell boy who Simon Hall assaulted told police;
I attended Capel St Mary Primary School, which is where I first met Simon Hall. He was a couple of years above me at school
During my time at Primary school I did suffer a few problems with Simon Hall bullying me
On a couple of occasions I recall Simon pushing me into bushes on the way home or saying nasty things to me. One such time was when Simon became quite physical with me and the caretaker at the time had to intervene, I believe I was around eleven years old at the time
Things seemed to settle down and I did not suffer any further problems at school, until I reach (sic) East Bergholt High School. At the time I suffered bullying from another boy, by the name of Matthew ******. He was a year above me at school, and I admit now I was quite a cheeky youngster, but don’t know the exact reason he picked on me. I also remember that Simon Hall, who was a good friend to Matthew ******, was usually in the background. He didn’t seem to take an active part but would be present
Following this, my parents invited both Simon Hall’s and Matthew ******’s parents over to discuss the problems between us children. Fortunately after this meeting the bullying seemed to die down and I didn’t really suffer any further problems
It was on my 17th birthday, that my girlfriend, *** and I decided to go into Ipswich town centre to the cinema. Having just come out of McDonalds in the centre of town, we crossed over the road where I saw three people walking towards us. I recognised one male as Simon Hall, but it was dark and I couldn’t see the other two people. They blocked my path so I couldn’t walk through, and I started to get concerned. Simon spoke to me, and mentioned an incident, which had occurred between his brother and my dad. Although I recalled some detail about this incident, I denied all knowledge to Simon, as I did not want any trouble. I believe due to his language and aggressive behaviour, that he was either drunk or under the influence of drugs. I remember Simon approaching me, and receiving a blow to the head, my next memory was waking up in an ambulance with my girlfriend *** besides me. Police were involved and I believe Simon was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
The next contact I had with Simon was shortly after he was released from prison. I was sitting in my car outside my parent’s house with my girlfriend *** chatting. Simon came over to the car, and initially I was quite apprehensive as (sic) unsure what he was going to say or do. When I found out he just wanted to apologise, I was quite shocked. Although I’m still not sure if it was his own choice, or whether his parents had encouraged him
Simon apologised for his behaviour and we actually had quite a good chat. It was quite nice, as it seemed to clear the air, and from then on whenever we saw each other we would stop for a short chat. It also improved relationships with his parents, as they would smile at me if they saw me
I also made amends with Matthew ****** having met him at the Jet garage in Capel St Mary. A group of friends all met up and Matthew ****** and Simon Hall were amongst them. We got on well and they even made a joke about not picking on me now due to my build
Excerpts from one of the Russell children dated 28th November 2002
Lynne Hall’s line manager made a statement to the police on the 28th November 2002, she told police;
I am employed by Boots opticians at 5 Tavern Street, Ipswich, Suffolk
I am currently the assistant manager on that department and have held this position in Ipswich for the past two years. I am responsible for twenty members of staff including a lady by the name of Mrs Lynn Hall who is a customer Service Advisor on our department
I am aware that Mrs’s Hall’s son, Simon Hall has been arrested in connection with the murder of an elderly lady in Capel St Mary, Suffolk
On Saturday 8th December 2001 I attended the Boots Christmas function at the County Hotel in Ipswich
I travelled with another colleague namely ***** ***** who was on maternity leave at the time. We collected Lynn Hall from her home in Capel St Mary
I loaned to Lynn one of my jackets which I shall describe as follows: “Black Ladies Evening Jacket labelled ”J-Taylor (100% polyester, 100% Acetate lining). This jacket is size 12 and has embroidery and black beading around the collar and lapels. Lynn wore this jacket the same evening
I have thought very hard about when Lynn returned this jacket to me and I have to say that I cannot remember when it was. I cannot remember where we were when Lynn returned my jacket to me. I can say that Lynn has never been to my house and I have only been inside Lynn’s house on two occasions. The first time being on the evening of Saturday 8th December 2001 when we collected her for the social function and the second being since July 2002 when I visited her in a welfare capacity as her Line Manager. Since loaning the jacket to Lynn Hall I have not worn it and neither have I had it dry cleaned. To my knowledge Lynn did not have the jacket dry cleaned prior to giving it back to me
At 12.30pm today (Thursday 28th November 2002) I handed to Dc 951 H***** of the Suffolk Constabulary the aforementioned jacket
I saw Dc H***** package the jacket within a brown paper sack which I placed directly into the sack. Dc H***** did not touch the jacket prior to sealing it in the bag
Excerpts from police witness statement of Lynne Hall’s line manager dated 28th November 2002
An excerpt from the prosecutions closing speech, during Simon Hall’s murder trial regarding Lynne Hall’s concocted evidence read;
Well members of the jury I’ve dealt with the shoes except in this regard.
Do you remember that very small piece of evidence given by Mrs Hall in what I described and as I underline as being an essentially concocted part of this case?
To mislead you away from the truth.
Given she’d been ill up and down during the night all the previous day, she now remembers she said to him as he past through can I clean your tan boots. 6.30am on a Sunday morning.
Joan Albert’s Killer. Photograph of Simon Hall taken whilst ’at large’ and ‘wanted’ by Suffolk police for a sexually motivated murder
Simon Hall spent the Saturday night and early Sunday morning hours of the 15th and 16th December 2001 frequenting a couple of pubs in Ipswich and then went on to a nightclub called Liquid.
He left Liquid nightclub at around 2am with Jamie Barker, who was then the assistant manager of The Old Rep public house.
Both men spent around 3 hours together in Ipswich town centre, before walking to the Woolpack public house, ran by Scott Doughty, where Simon had been earlier in the night and left his car keys.
After getting his car keys from Scott Doughty, Simon Hall drove Jamie Barker home to Jamie’s mother Angela’s house in Myrtle Road, Ipswich, arriving at around 5.30am.
Simon Hall then drove to his adoptive parents Phil and Lynne Hall‘s house in Capel St Mary.
It would have taken Simon Hall approximately 20 minutes to drive back to Capel St Mary from Jamie’s mothers house in Ipswich, as can be seen from the google maps image below;
Google maps image
The 2011 Court of Appeal judgment, which can be read here wrongly stated at paragraph 4 that Simon Hall’s drive back from Jamie Barker’s address in Ipswich to Capel St Mary was a journey of some 5 minutes.
It was not and it is not known how or why the court of appeal judges got the timings wrong.
After parking his car in Snowcroft, Capel St Mary, Simon Hall walked to Joan Albert’s home.
He made claim he put his socks over his hands to use as gloves, which is something the prosecution had indicated he may have done during his trial, as can be seen from an excerpt from the prosecutions closing speech;
Our submission to you is that it’s obvious one. That this as I’ve described in careful burglar had covered his hands. Whether with gloves, socks, you remember Mr Swann hesitated a moment before agreeing to that. It may be he’s been out of the police force a very long time, but he accepted, yes he understands that sometimes socks are used. Any piece of material, pull down your cuffs if it goes long enough, will do (sic)
Simon Hall then claimed he used a long metal pole to smash Joan Albert’s ground floor kitchen window, located at the back of her property.
Broken kitchen window of 15 Boydlands, Capel St Mary
Pieces of glass were removed from the window frame and placed on the grass near a large frog ornament, as can be seen in the above crime scene photograph.
Simon Hall said he was able to climb through the window with ease as the black leather jacket he was wearing over his black larey or loud shirt with red splashes over it “protected’ him.
Once inside he said he looked for a “big looking” knife in Joan Albert’s kitchen drawer to “scare her” with, but it appears the noise of the breaking glass may have already disturbed Joan Albert.
Simon Hall went on to allege that when he turned from having taken the knife from the kitchen drawer, Joan Albert was standing there and allegedly said to him “What are you doing”?
There was further evidence at the crime scene suggesting Joan Albert may have awoken after hearing her kitchen window being smashed and went down stairs to investigate, as her large yellow torch was found in her hallway, laying on the floor near her feet.
One of Joan Albert’s feet still had a slipper on but the other slipper was off, presumably from when she was attacked and fell, or was pushed to the floor, or during some other event caused by Simon Hall.
A second torch was found laying on its side behind a silver framed photo of Joan Albert’s husband Cyril, on her hall table close by to where Joan’s body was found.
Lynne Hall told Suffolk police two months after her friend Joan Albert’s murder;
Joan also had either a yellow or orange torch, it was quite substantial because we actually joked about her hitting someone with it.
Joan bought the torch in the summer of 2001 when she was having the trouble with the kids.
The torch was beneficial as she let the dog out into the garden several times per night
Excerpt from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated 14th February 2002
Simon Hall claimed he did not stab Joan Albert in the back, as was suggested by the pathologist Dr Michael Heath and presented during his trial.
He alleged he had stabbed Joan Albert from the front and the knife had penetrated “all the way through” her slim frame.
Diagrams indicating the position of some of Joan Albert’s injuries can be viewed here
The crime scene suggested evidence of a disturbance on Joan Albert’s stair landing, where ornaments had been knocked over.
It’s possible Joan Albert may have knocked these over on her way down the stairs, or possibly when she made an attempt to go upstairs, in order to flee from Simon Hall.
A scene of crime officer stated;
The premises are a three-bedroom link detached house in a small cul-de-sac road.
The from garden is an open plan garden with a path to the front door and a drive to the garage door.
The rear garden is enclosed with scrubs and a 6-foot wooden panelled fence.
The garden is surrounded by gardens from other premises. Entry to the rear garden is by a secure door between the garage and the main house.
The house has a main entrance door at the front, which leads into the hall, with doors off to the lounge, downstairs toilet and kitchen and stairway to the first floor.
The lounge leads through to the dining room, which leads through to the kitchen.
The kitchen leads back to a hallway and the rear door.
The stairs lead to a landing, which has doors leading to the three bedrooms, the bathroom and the airing cupboard
we carried out a visual examination of the outside of the premises, the footpath that runs down the side of 17 Boydlands and side of 3 Vine Walk and the garden of 3 Vine Walk.
On the outside of the wooden fence to 3 Vine Walk were two indented shoe impressions in the grass.
Inside the garden of 3 Vine Walk next to the fence was another shoe impression in the flowerbed.
This shoe mark corresponded to the other shoe marks on the other side of the fence.
At the bottom of the garden next to the fence which backs onto the garden of 15 Boydland’s of 3 Vine Walk is black plastic compost converter, which had traces of dirt smeared across the too edge of it.
In the garden of 15 Boydland’s on the other side of the fence, which corresponds to the black plastic compost converter was a shoe mark impression in the flowerbed.
We then carried out a visual examination of the house.
The rear kitchen casement window had been smashed, with most of the glass out of the frame, some of the glass lay on the lawn and some lay on the worktop inside the window.
On the grass outside was a white coloured concrete frog, which appeared to have been moved from its original position on the lawn.
Inside the hallway lay the deceased occupant of the house, Mrs Joan Albert.
She lay on her back with her head up against the downstairs cloakroom door.
She was dressed in a white coloured nightdress and a red coloured dressing gown.
The dressing gown was open exposing the nightdress.
There was blood staining to the nightdress around the abdomen and chest area.
Ornaments and a flower arrangement had been knocked off a small shelf at the bottom of the stairs.
An eight and a half inch kitchen knife lay on the kitchen floor.
The cutlery drawer in the kitchen was open and a similar kitchen knife to that on the floor was half sticking out of the drawer.
The only other disturbance in the house was the plant pots on the inside of the kitchen windowsill had been knocked off into the sink and draining board
Excerpts from police scene of crime officer witness statement dated 21st January 2002
After carrying out his brutal and violent knife attack, and when Joan Albert was finally laying down on the floor of her downstairs hallway, Simon Hall claimed he had masturbated whilst standing over her body.
It was presumably also around this time Simon Hall had lifted up Joan Albert’s night wear.
Simon Hall claimed he had put his hand into his under pants whilst he was still fully clothed, apparently to ensure he did not leave any traces of his semen or bodily fluids behind.
Simon Hall also made the claim he had defecated in Joan Albert’s garden after he had committed his murder.
It is not known if this incident did occur, although police forensics did remove faeces from Joan Albert’s garden as part of their crime scene forensic examinations. The faeces was bagged and labelled as ‘dog excrement’.
A police forensic document stated;
The body of Joan Albert was found in the hallway of her home when neighbours failed to make contact with her by telephone early on Sunday morning, 16/12/01.
A spare key was used to gain entry to the premises, whereupon they found her laid on the floor, wearing her nightdress, dressing gown and slippers.
The deceased’s legs were slightly parted and her clothing was up by her chest, leaving her naked below the waist.
Whilst the front and rear doors were believed to be locked securely, it was observed that a rear kitchen window had been smashed and pieces of glass picked out of the frame, creating a hole large enough to be used as a point of entry and exit.
The deceased had received multiple stab wounds and a knife of the appropriate size/length was found on the kitchen carpet.
Amongst the injuries noted during the post mortem examination of the deceased were some knife cuts which appear to have been made some time after death
Excerpt from Operation Magdala police forensic document
During the initial stages of the crime scene examination, blood staining was observed in the hallway where the altercation appears to have taken place.
It was noted a yellow torch bore smeared blood and there was a single drop of blood on the hall table.
A knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was found on the kitchen floor, and although not obviously blood stained, it appears to have fatty smears on the blade.
An examination of the rear garden of the premises and the likely exit route over the fence of the adjourning property, 3 Vine Walk, revealed footwear impression.
These impressions appear to have been made by a plain soled shoe with a heel (the heel bearing a fine mesh pattern)
Excerpt from Operation Magdala police forensic document
Joan Albert’s body and clothing were tested for any evidence of direct sexual activity. None were reported to be found.
The long metal pole Simon Hall claimed he used to break the downstairs kitchen window was found by forensic officers in a neighbours garden.
It was labelled as exhibit AMB3and Judith Cunnison, a forensic expert stated in her witness statement;
The fibres recovered from the metal pole (AMB3) differ from the constituent fibres of the dressing gown (MH8) and the flock fibres from 15 Boydlands
Excerpt from Judith Cunnison’s 12th of December 2002 police witness statement
Below are extracts taken from a 2013 forensic psychologists report;
..he was driving home in his newly acquired car in the early hours of the morning.
He stated that he became, and persisted in being, preoccupied with the ’idea of raping someone’.
This notion, he said, persisted and he drove directly to the house of the victim, with the intention of raping her in her house – he could give no coherent account as to why this elderly lady was the focus for his sexual or violent preoccupations
At around 6 a.m. he broke into her house via a kitchen window.
He was confronted by Mrs Albert who asked him what he was doing.
He took a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her in the chest (he did not refer to stabbing her in the back).
The elderly lady fell to the floor (he maintained he attacked her in the kitchen, but her body was found by the neighbour in the hall at the foot of the stairs).
Excerpts from page 10 of William Long’s November 2013 psychology report
It is not known if killer Simon Hall confided in, or confessed to Joan Albert’s murder, in the early hours or days of the police investigations to any of his immediate family members, or others.
But it became clear they had their suspicions (Whether conscience or sub-conscience) based on their lies, deceptions, concoctions, smears and other telling and manipulative behaviours.
Joan Albert’s Killer. Photograph of Simon Hall taken whilst ’at large’ and ‘wanted’ by Suffolk police for a sexually motivated murder
Much was made by all the Hall family members (Lynne, Phil and Shaun) and people like Stephanie Bon, about the black moleskin type trousers which they falsely claimed Simon Hall had never owned.
But nothing was ever said by any of them about the black “larey orloud” shirt with the “red in it”, which Simon Hall had previously owned and wore on the night of Saturday the 15th and the morning of 16th of December 2001.
It is not known how Phil and Lynne Hall could seemingly forget about Simon Hall’s black “larey or loud” shirt with the “red in it”, but he left their house at 8 Snowcroft on the Saturday wearing the shirt and also went back to his adoptive parents house on the Sunday morning at 6:28am in the same larey shirt.
Although Phil Hall claimed to police;
I do not know what he was wearing that day at all
It’s difficult to believe Phil Hall walked around wearing blinkers, as was the impression he appeared to want to give Suffolk police throughout their investigation.
Nicola a friend of Laura T’s, another woman Simon Hall had met up with leading up to (and following) his murder of Joan Albert, and who was also mentioned during Simon’s police interviews over the 25th and 26th July 2002 told police;
I am employed by Ryan Air working as cabin crew from Stansted airport. I have held this position approx 1 year. I drive a BMW Mini
I can recall the following. I have met Simon on three occasions.
According to my diary, that is in my possession, the first time was 8th December 2001 when my friend Laura T********* and I went to Liquids nightclub in Cardinal Park, in Ipswich. I have known Laura for approx three years
We would go clubbing up to three times a week mainly in Colchester or ’Kings’ at Copford
When she suggested going to ’Liquids’ nightclub on 8th December 2001 I agreed as I knew she might see ’Simon’ a lad she had met the previous week
Liquid on a Saturday night is smart dress, no jeans, no trainers, collars for the men and I believe it closes at 0200 hours. Laura drove that night her Suburu Impretza colour yellow to the parking area in front of the club and we got out of her car around 2130 hours wearing wigs.
We had been to Lakeside shopping that day and bought them. Mine was a long red colour and Lauras a blonde/brown one longer than mine.
We walked to the queue and Laura and Simon had to double take one another as he didn’t instantly recognise her wig and she had forgotten exactly what he looked like. We then queued with the lad I now know as Simon and his older friend.
Simon I would describe as white, 5ft 8” with dark short hair, aged about twenty years. He was not skinny and wore smart clothing. He was very quiet. His friend was white, really tall about 6ft and skinny. He was older with short gingery hair.
I wasn’t in too good a mood that night I recall and so not much conversation was had either in the queue or club, howeverI do recall laughing at Simons shirt which was black with red splashes over it. It was a ’bit larey’ or loud.
He also wore black trousers but I cannot recall details of these or his footwear.
Simon took the criticism in good humour. Once inside the club Laura and Simon did spend most of the night together but weren’t close like a couple
We left at around 0100 hours that night with Lauras attitude ”see if he rings”.
I know she had trouble contacting Simon as she didn’t have a mobile number for him. He didn’t have one. I had to ring his house one day on her behalf to check if it was a true number he had given Laura and indeed the answer machine said ”you have reached Mr and Mrs Hall…”. This put Lauras mind at rest. I think the voice on the machine was male
On Saturday 8th Dec 2001 Laura took a photograph of me – and Simon Hall with his friend in the background. I have today handed this to PC 10
On Saturday 15th December 2001 Laura and I again went to Liquids, Ipswich
We spent most of this evening in the main dance floor area and Simon was standing out in there. He seemed pleased to see Laura
During the course of this night Laura and Simon did not spend an awful lot of time together, but when they did meet up they acted like a couple ’kissing and cuddling’.
This was more towards the end of the night and they were in fact together when I exchanged phone numbers with my now current boyfriend
We left the club, (Laura and I) at 0200 hours with Laura urging Simon to get a mobile. Simon then went his way. On either occasion I did not see Simon drinking excessively, in fact I don’t really remember him drinking nor did I see any drugs but I would describe Simon as ’strange’. He often stood about, very quiet. He was subdued half the time, not with it, on another planet. He certainly wasn’t Laura’s type I felt
On Wednesday 19th December 2001 was the last occasion I met Simon.
Laura had booked tickets for the first showing of Lord of the Rings at Festival Leisure Park at Basildon.
We went on a double date. J***** collected me and we met Laura and Simon there. Laura was driving and the pair were late. Simon had apparently had car trouble and so by the time they arrived we had to go straight in.
Laura and Simon were affectionate in the cinema, cuddling and kissing. Simon wore beige jumper and jeans I think.
There was not much chance for conversation as we left immediately afterwards leaving Laura and Simon behind
I have not seen Simon Hall since that day
Excerpts from Laura T’s friend Nicola’s police witness statement dated 27th August 2002
Simon Hall didn’t purchase a mobile phone until Saturday the 15th December 2001.
I know now I did not go into work on that Saturday because I was in Ipswich buying a mobile telephone
I had been planning to get this particular mobile telephone since seeing a similar telephone in a shop in Colchester town centre the previous Friday the 14th December
According to my receipt for the purchase of the mobile telephone, I completed this purchase at 16.39
After buying the mobile telephone I went to the Old Rep Public House. I believed this would have been mid to late afternoon
The top Nicola mentioned laughing at, which she described was black with red splashes over it and apparently was a bit larey or loud was what Simon Hall eventually described he wore on the night of Saturday the 15th and the morning of Sunday the 16th of December 2001.
22nd December 2001: Killer Purchased Replacement Black Office Shoes & Coat
Donna (Not her real name) told police;
In August 2001 I was in Liquid Night Club in Ipswich. I was with my friends a large group as we had finished our A levels that Summer
I was driving, so I was sober. I saw Simon Hall and I walked up to him and introduced myself. Simon was wearing a short sleeve white shirt and beige trousers. I thought he was attractive, that’s why I approached him
Simon introduced himself but I did not hear his name but I did hear his say ”my friends calls me Teddy”. I gave him my home phone number and went home, after kissing him goodbye
Simon or Teddy as I knew him then, phoned a few days later, but we never met and I did not hear or see him again so I thought that was the end of that relationship
Then on Saturday the 8th December 2001 I went out on my Christmas works party at the Old Rep public house, Tower Street, Ipswich. I was working for ***** clothes shop on ****** Street, Ipswich at the time
I was sitting with my friend, when I noticed Simon working behind the bar.
He was wearing a black jumper with a blue number on the front. I believe the number was forty something. As he was standing behind the bar, I could not see what he was wearing on the bottom half. He had grown a bit of a goatee
I approached him and asked him if he remembered me, he did remember, and I told him where I worked. I also informed him the Christmas party was going on to Pals night club and did he want to meet later, he told me he would be going to Liquids instead
Then on Thursday 13th of December 2001, I called into the Old Rep to see if Simon was working, he was and we arranged to meet for lunch on the Saturday the 15th of December 2001.
Yet on Saturday the 15th of December 2001, Simon never turned up for lunch, he did call in to the shop later that day about 3pm to 4pm. He explained he had been sorting out a car in Felixstowe, and he was wearing a black leather jacket, blazer style, and a roll neck jumper pale in colour beige/cream. I do not remember if he was carrying anything or not
We arranged to meet for lunch another day. I am not sure what day this was but I remember it happened, Simon arrived for my lunch which was at 1pm. He was wearing a pale shirt, either striped or checked and dark navy jeans, and shoes either dark brown or black loafer type. Simon mainly wore smart shoes. He was carrying his mobile and wallet yet no coat which I thought strange as it was cold in December. We went to the Hogs Head in Lloyds avenue, Ipswich and had lunch. We spoke a lot, Simon seemed to remember a lot of our conversation in August which impressed me. He explained that his name was Simon and that people call him Teddy as he was cute and cuddly. The food arrived late so I ate and ran back to work
Then on Saturday the 22nd of December I went shopping with Simon, Simon collected me. He drove a white fiesta size car but I am unsure of the make and model.
I know it was the 22nd of December as I was going out with my friends for a Christmas meal in Clowns in Colchester. We first went to Braintree Freeport, then on to Clacton Common.
Simon was wearing blue jeans, smart shoes brown in colour, navy blue T-shirt, Lambretta design logo across the front of the T-shirt. Also a mushroom coloured fleece the chunky bobbly style rather than the smooth style
While at Braintree Simon bought new black shoes smart ones, a coats, jacket length colour dark charcol, and cosmetics for his Nan for Christmas. Then at Clacton Common Simon bought a Winnie the Pooh for his nephew of god daughter
Then Simon dropped me back at home so I could have a shower before going out with my friends
I met my friends in Greenlands Bar in St John Street, Colchester. I met Simon at this bar about 8pm to 9pm, my friends went on to O’Neills public house, Head Street, Colchester. I stayed in Greenlands for a little while then Simon dropped me off in O’Neills. He was driving the white Fiesta size car again. I believe he said it was a works car. On that evening Simon was wearing his new coat, the pale shirt he wore when we went out to lunch with the checks or stripes and I am not sure what shoes either the brown lofa style or the new black shoes. Simon did not come to O’Neills because he said he was going to a party in Cambridge
Then on Monday the 24th of December 2001 Simon turned up at the shop and we went out to lunch. This time he drove the white vehicle again and took me to a pub not far from the town centre we parked into the car park of the pub and walked in the door connected to the car park
This was a traditional sort of public house, the rooms were quite small. I remember the man who ran the pub, Simon knew very well. I would describe him as a bald male, white skin, who wore glasses and his manner was really camp. We ate at this pub then Simon dropped me back to work promising to meet me after work and before he had to start work
Simon never arrived to meet me so I phoned him he explained he was late as he was in Chelmsford with friends and will be late for work in the Old Rep if he met me. I asked him if he was going to liquids after work as I was going with a few of my friends, Simon stated he did not know if he was going to Liquids or Kartouche
I went to Liquids with my friends and Simon did turn up very late. He seemed really distant and did not look happy. I asked him what was wrong, he replied there are a lot of my ex girlfriends here tonight. I have hurt a lot of people but I am fun to be with. Simon’s mood never changed all night so before I left I told Simon as I was leaving not to add me to that list of people that he hurt
I received a phone call from Simon and a few text messages on Christmas and Boxing day. Then he explained he would be working a lot over the next two months so he would not be available. I received a few more text messages but did not see him again
Excerpts from Donna’s (Not her real name) police witness statement dated 9th October 2002
The shoes and jacket Simon Hall bought while he was in Braintree Freeport with Donna, were obviously to replace the shoes and jacket he had worn when he committed his murder of Joan Albert’s..
The ‘traditional sort of pub’ described by Donna was the Woolpack public house and the ’bald male’ was Scott Doughty, mentioned in Part 2.
Laura T was a woman Simon Hall had first met around the middle to end of October 2001, around the same time Stephanie Bon had told police her and Simon Hall had “become an item”.
Stephanie Bon told police;
Around October 2001, Simon and I became an item.
He used to stay at my house in Colchester, regularly, as it was so much more convenient for work.
Over time he left various items at my house, so he (sic) changes of clothes and wash things.
I would describe our relationship as generally good, we did argue occasionally, but nothing significant. Simon was a kind and funny person and hated arguing
Excerpt from Stephanie Bon’s 4th September 2002 police witness statement
Stephanie Bon made no mention of Simon Hall’s black ‘loud or Lary’ top with the ‘red in it’ to police although it is not known if Stephanie Bon ever saw Simon wearing this top.
And it is unlikely Stephanie Bon would have been honest about this if she were asked.
Stephanie Bon did not made any public statements about all the items of clothing she knew Simon Hall to wear when they were ‘an item’.
Laura T told police;
At some stage around the middle or towards the end of October 2001, I together with a friend T**** went to Kings Night Club in Copford, Essex, I believe it was either a Friday or Saturday night. About half way through the night, both myself and T**** noticed a nice bloke, T**** went up to him and sat him down next to where I was sitting. We started talking and I found out his name was Simon and he came from Ipswich. Simon was there that night with a mate of his who was French
During the night we talked and had a dance, I found Simon to be a nice lad, but very shy towards me. That night, I had my camera with me and between T**** and I, we took photographs of our night out. I can recall, Simon wore a white roll neck jumper, and dark trousers or jeans which may have been dark grey. He also wore shoes that might have been light in colour. Although he was shy, we got on well eland exchanged telephone numbers
Towards the end of the night Simon told me he was going away with his work for 2-3 weeks and he would call me upon his return. We had a goodnight kiss and T**** and I left around 1.00 -2.00 am
At some stage in the next few weeks, I believe T**** on my behalf telephoned Simon’s home address to see if he was there. T**** spoke to a women whom she believed was Simon’s mum. She said he was away for a few weeks
After around 3 weeks after we had met and indeed the first time we had spoken since we first met, Simon called me and he arranged to come over to my home in Chelmsford and take me out. He came over at some stage in the week and took me out, I believe he either drove an old Audi or a gold. I cannot recall the colour. On this occasion we went to a local pub and finished at a beefeater pub where we just talked. Again Simon appeared very shy towards me
At some stage towards the end of November 2001, I had arranged with Simon to meet him at Liquid night club in Ipswich. It was either a Friday or Saturday night. On this occasion, I drove to Ipswich with a friend Nicola ******. When we got there I met Simon and he was with a friend, I cannot recall his name, he was nice but didn’t say much. We both got on alright again (me + Simon) but he was still very shy towards me. I had already formed the opinion he wasn’t my type of bloke. He seemed reluctant to touch me or kiss me and seemed to do anything I asked, by that I mean he was the right kind of looks and personality, but I was more used to a more lively bloke. At the end of the night Nicola and I left and come (sic) home to Chelmsford
Around this time I recall Simon giving me his e-mail address which was **** During this time we used to text each other and also e-mail, my e-mail account is ****
The following weekend, Nicola and I went back to Liquid. I believe this may have been the first weekend in December. On this occasion Simon, I believe had, had a few drinks and was a lot more lively and tactile. Due to this we got (sic) better. I think on this occasion Nicola got introduced to a bloke called Justin
The following week which may have been the 2nd weekend in December, Nicola and I again went back to Liquid. I can recall again meeting Simon who seemed again as he had previously been, very shy towards me . I also recall Nicola getting the hump as Justin was their (sic) with his girlfriend.
On this occasion I also met one of Simon’s friend (sic), I cannot recall his name, whoever, he was (sic) profoundly deaf but could lip read very well. I remember a conversation in which the deaf friend of Simon’s told me Simon thought a lot of me
After this time it reaffirmed to me, our relationship wasn’t going anywhere. He was a very nice bloke, but we just didn’t talk enough. I may have sent him a text later that week saying I wanted more of my own space to do my own thing. I believe he replied words to the effect that was ok
The following weekend, which may have been Saturday 15th December, Nicola and I had arranged to go to Liquid. I had been in touch with Simon that week either by e-mail or text. The reason for going that week, was part as Liquid was a good club, part to see Simon and part so as Nicola could see Justin. For whatever reason Nicola and I didn’t go to Liquid that night. I do recall I believe texting Simon to tell him that and I may have had some texts back from him
At some stage between then and Christmas Simon texted or e-mailed me, saying he would pop around with a Christmas present. I believe couple (sic) days before Christmas he turned up with a Jay-Z CD, he stayed about 15 minutes and then left. That was the last time I ever saw him
In the following months from Christmas we kept in touch again via texting + e-mail he sent me his new e-mail address which was **** I do recall around June time his e-mailing me
He still stated he missed me, which I thought was a little strange due to the time we had been apart
To sum up, I found him a really nice bloke, certainly good looking but a bit to (sic) quiet and shy for me. He was never nasty towards me and never appeared to drink to (sic) much
Excerpt from Laura T’s police witness statement dated 1st August 2002
Laura T made a further witness statement in September 2001;
Further to my previous statement I wish to add that in the early to mid November 2001, when I first met Simon Hall in ‘Kings’ Nightclub in Copford, Colchester I took some photographs of the night
The photographs included: Simon Hall who was wearing dark coloured pin striped trousers and a beige woollen roll neck jumper; a friend of Simon’s whose name I do not know, although I remember he was French, and he was wearing black collared T-shirt and black trousers. My friend T**** who wore black trousers and a black and white top and also myself and I was wearing a black cropped halterneck top and black trouser
At 1110 hours on Tuesday the 10th of September I handed these ’six photographs’ to Pc 997 Wells
Excerpts from Laura T’s police witness statement dated 10th September 2002
The French man referred to by Laura T was Stephanie Bon’s brother Olivier Bon, who told police;
I live at the address given overleaf in Colchester with my sister Stephanie, I have been living there since I moved from my home in France
I previously worked for a company called State Chemicals in Eastgate, Colchester where Stephanie was also employed. I started at State Chemicals in September of 2001 in the credit control department.
It was while working at State Chemicals that I met Simon Hall. I believe he started working there after me and was employed in the financial department
I became quite good friends with Simon we used to talk a lot at work and on at least two occasions we went out for drinks after work. I remember on one of these occasions we went to the Playhouse pub and then went onto Kings nightclub
Simon also became good friends with my sister Stephanie through work, and they eventually started a relationship so Simon came to our home address quite a lot and stayed overnight
I would describe Simon as a friendly confident person who is good looking, I don’t recall seeing him lose his temper
With regards to Simons car I remember he had a VW Golf in fact I have been a passenger in it. He also had an Audi which I recall seeing parked outside our address.
Simon also borrowed a white Citreon Saxo which belonged to State Chemicals, in fact Simon and I borrowed it when we took Stephanie to the airport when she flew to America. I don’t believe I ever went in the Audi as a passenger or drove it
I would describe Simon as a smart dresser, he took care in what he wore. I cannot recall any one particular item that he used to wear. I have never lent Simon any of my clothes and I have never borrowed any of his, and with regards to my clothes I do not own many pairs of trousers and I only have one black pair which I purchased two months ago as I did not have them when Simon was around
My employment with State Chemicals ended in February of this year, I stayed on longer that some people, we were originally told the company was closing in January but I was asked to stay on till the end which was in February, I believe Simon also stayed on until February as well
Excerpts from Olivier Bon’s police witness statement dated 4th September 2002
Simon Hall told police on the 25th July 2002, as is evidenced by the record of interview (Pages 6 – 8) relating to his 5th interview of the day, that he had borrowed clothes to wear off of Olivier Bon.
It is not known if Olivier Bon told his sister Stephanie Bon about Simon meeting Laura T at Kings Night Club in Copford, Essex in mid to end of October 2001, when Simon was in a relationship with his sister.
Joan Albert’s Killer. Photograph of Simon Hall taken whilst ’at large’ and ‘wanted’ by Suffolk police for a sexually motivated murder
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cole said of the murder of Joan Albert;
A degree of violence has been used and there are signs of a forced entry.
It is a horrific attack and one which is out of nature for a place like Capel
Friends called round to visit her on Sunday morning and couldn’t raise her so they went to a neighbour who had keys and discovered her body.
I would remind all residents to exercise all the usual safety measures like locking doors and windows and if they see anything suspicious to call the police
I am keeping an open mind as to specifically what happened
After around eleven and a half years of protesting his innocence, Simon Hall’s concoctions and lies, and the concoctions and lies of those closest to him at the time of his murder, were finally exposed towards the end of 2012 and into 2013.
Although it would be several more months before Simon Hall finally said out loud, to his then wife and tertiary victim, and others, ‘I killed Joan Albert’.
Suffolk police would have undoubtedly sussed out that Simon Hall and the Hall family members were lying early on into their investigation, as some of their evidence demonstrates throughout this blog series.
Simon Hall disclosed in horrifying detail how he had apparently planned his murder and also claimed he was going to Joan Albert’s house to “rape” her and/or “have sex with her body”;
He stated that he was in a bad place at the time and that he didn’t realise that he had been capable of such violence and that his offence was brutal.
He indicated that his offence took place over a 15 minute period
Excerpt from page 14 of Simon Hall’s December 2013 Sentence planning and review report
When exactly Simon Hall made the decision is not known but what is known is there was a great deal of friction going on in the possible days and hours leading up to his murder between Simon Hall, Simon’s girlfriend at the time, his adoptive parents Phil and Lynne Hall, his brother Shaun Hall and Shaun’s girlfriend Leigh.
Living Regularly With Girlfriend In Colchester, Essex
Simon Hall was in a relationship and living “regularly” with a woman named Stephanie Bon from Colchester, Essex at the time he committed his murder.
Simon only seemingly slept at his adoptive parents house for a couple of hours in the early morning hours of Sunday the 16th December 2001, after it appears there had been an argument with Stephanie Bon, and seemingly Lynne Hall.
It is not known when exactly over that weekend Simon Hall told his girlfriend Stephanie Bon she was not able to attend the Hall family Christmas meal in Lincolnshire on the Sunday.
Nor is it known when Lynne Hall told her adoptive son his girlfriend could not attend the meal, but Stephanie Bon told Suffolk police;
On Saturday the 15th of December 2001 I remember being at home in Colchester with my brother and old flat mate, Lionel *****, who lived at the house for a year.
We remained in all night and I clearly remember this time, as I was meant to be going to a family meal the following day.
On the Sunday Simon was off for a meal with relatives and asked me to go along as well.
I instantly agreed, looking forward to meeting the rest of the family but, unfortunately Simon did not get around to asking his mum until it was too late.
By the time Simon asked Lynne, there was not enough room at the table and I was unable to go along
This had annoyed me and I remember questioning whether the relationship was worth continuing with.
I believe Simon said he was going out with some friends on the Saturday night, although I am not sure
Excerpts from Stephanie Bon’s police witness statement dated 4th September 2002
There Was Enough Room In The Car & At The Table For Family Christmas Meal In Lincolnshire
However there would have been “enough room at the table”, at least two spare seats, as Shaun Hall and his girlfriend Leigh had pulled out at the last minute.
Shaun Hall and his girlfriend Leigh had an argument over their 10 month old son not being well enough to travel, after he had just come out of hospital.
Lynne and Shaun Hall were apparently upset with Leigh because the family up in Lincolnshire had yet to meet Leigh and Shaun’s son X.
It is not known where Simon Hall slept on the night of Friday the 14th December 2001 but he had been staying/living at his girlfriends Stephanie Bon’s house in Colchester.
In fact Simon had taken Stephanie Bon with him to look at, and pay for a new car on Wednesday the 12th of December 2001, as he evidenced by his proof of evidence statement;
On Saturday 15th December 2001 I believe I got up around 8.30am – 9.00am
This was because Matt W****** was due to come round and pick me up in his Ford Granada, registration I believe E****** to drive me to Haverhill to collect a black Audi motor vehicle which I had been to view with Stephanie the previous Wednesday the 12th December at a garage known as Haverhill Kar Khange.
Having seen the car on that day I agreed to purchase it and collect it the following Saturday the 15th. I could not have collected it on the Wednesday as Stephanie does not drive and whoever took me over to pick up the car needed to be able to drive themselves back
Matt (Matthew) W, who stated he had “been best mates for years” with Simon Hall, confirmed he had picked Simon up on the morning of Saturday the 15th December 2001.
But Matt did not mention where he picked Simon up from ie; Simon’s parents house in Capel St Mary or his girlfriend Stephanie Bon’s house in Colchester.
Lynne Hall told police two days after Joan Albert’s murder, referring to the Friday evening of the 14th December 2001;
The last time I actually saw Joan was on Friday evening, the fourteenth of December.
I waved to her at about 8.10am as I went to work to catch the bus.
I always used to check that she was up and Rusty was in the window.
I came home after work. I got the 5.40, number 93 bus, from the Buttermarket in Ipswich. That usually gets me into the village at between 6.15 and 6.20pm.
I was already carrying shopping. My own and some that I had done for her. I also had Phil’s Christmas present. It was a device that turned a bath into a spa bath.
I got off the bus and went into the Co-op and got a few items. I then went straight to Joan’s.
I was feeling ill just starting to come down with a bug. I popped in intending to be quick, it was not usual for me to go in if I did not take Rusty out because he would get so excited.
We talked about the Christmas lights that she had bought me from the Co-op because some of them were not working.
Joan asked me to give Rusty her (sic) pill and also put cream on Rusty’s backside as he had a skin problem. I told her that I was feeling really ill and that I was likely to stay at home the following day.
We spoke in the hallway and Joan suggested I kept Phil’s Christmas present which was Boots purchase, although I don’t remember the make or model. Joan took it straight upstairs and I assumed she was putting it in her room. She had already put her shopping away.
I think as far as I can remember I bought her a pack of 3 gas canisters for her curling tong, I think they were ’Braun’. I also got a small tin of food for Rusty which I fed to him there and then. It was ’Caesar’ I think. I stayed there longer than I was meant to because I was ill. I would say I stayed there 20 minutes or so.
Phil was at home with a colleague and he left just after 6.50pm and I had not even taken my coat off. That was the last time I actually saw Joan.
I remember that she looked very smart in a jumper with a cardigan over the top and a skirt although I don’t remember exactly what. Before I left I said if the worse came to the worse I would see her on the Monday when I would collect Phil’s present.
We also spoke about the washing machine which had been fitted that day. Joan seemed very pleased with the actual machine which I believe was an Indesit. She was not pleased with the carpet though because it was not that clean and bright in her opinion.
Joan actually phoned me not long after I got home, it takes me maybe 5 minutes to get back. All she actually wanted to know was if I Simon (sic), our son, had checked the lights. She rang on our home phone number.
That phone call was the last contact that I had with Joan as I was in bed all day Saturday.
On the Sunday the 16th we were away for the day and I did not find out that Joan was dead until our return, around 8.30pm
Excerpt’s from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated Tuesday the 18th December 2001
Although Lynne Hall mentioned her adoptive son Simon to police in her statement, it is not clear if Simon was actually at 8 Snowcroft, Capel St Mary (His adoptive parents address) that evening or whether or not he slept at Stephanie Bon’s house in Colchester, Essex that night.
Lynne Hall also told police on the day Simon was arrested in connection with her friends death;
On Saturday the 15th of December 2001 I was ill in bed all day.
I seem to think that Simon was around during the day and he put his head in to make sure I was okay. I may have popped down to make a drink. I don’t even remember the phone ringing.
The Sunday we were off to Stoke Rochford in Lincolnshire which is a stately home, it was a family get together.
Simon told me at some stage that Saturday that he was going out and would probably not be back that night. I told him to be back because we were leaving early.
I wanted him home at five or six am as I wanted to make sure he was okay and dressed properly.
I can only assume he took his black Audi because that is the only way he could have been back at that time
Excerpt’s from Lynne Hall’s 25th July 2002 police witness statement
But according to all the witnesses who confirmed seeing Simon Hall on that Saturday and spending time with him, and according to Simon himself via his proof of evidence statement, he only went to his adoptive parents Lynne and Phil Hall’s house for a short time between approximately 6:00pm-7:00pm on Saturday the 15th December 2001.
After collecting his recently paid for Audi motor vehicle, Simon Hall stated;
The Ford Granada Matt was driving at the time I believe belongs to Ian *****
Our drive to Haverhill would have taken about 2 hours. Once the purchase had been completed we would have then driven back. On reflection I can even recall Matt ****** having a go at driving the Audi on the journey back
Having acquired the Audi, I then completed the sale of my Golf GTI to Glenn **** on that same day outside a pub in Stutton. I can’t remember the name of the pub but it is Glenn’s local pub. He had already given me a cash payment for the Golf GTI which I in turn had used to purchase the Audi
From that point, I would have carried on into Ipswich to do some Christmas shopping and to buy a mobile phone
The mobile phone was paid for at 16:39pm, as was evidenced by his sales receipt;
Copy of sales receipt
Impression Management Regarding Living Arrangements At Time
Simon Hall also stated;
The next specific recollection I have is based upon my withdrawal of £50.00 cash from a cash point machine at Tesco’s at Copdock at 5.59pm, the time recorded on the bank statement records.
I would have been heading back to my home at 8 Snowcroft at this time
Again, I cannot precisely recall but I am sure I would have been home for tea and this is usually pizza and chips
Mum was ill in bed and dad would have been doing the cooking
It appeared Simon, Phil and Lynne Hall wanted to give the police the impression 8, Snowcroft, Capel St Mary was his home around the time of the murder.
But in reality, according to the evidence he barely appeared to stay there at all and also gave the impression he did not like being there.
With regards timings, it would have taken Simon Hall approximately 8 minutes to drive from Tesco’s to his parents address at 8 Snowcroft, Capel St Mary, give or take a minute or two depending on traffic, as can be seen by the below image;
Google map image
Simon Hall’s next cash withdrawal of £40.00 was made at 7.27pm, which would have meant Simon could only have spent just over an hour maximum at Lynne and Phil Hall’s home address at 8, Snowcroft, between approximately 6.07pm and 7.19pm
Therefore Lynne Hall’s statement
I seem to think that Simon was around during the day and he put his head in to make sure I was okay
was a lie.
The only time Lynne could have seen Simon was between the time previously mentioned because Simon was not in Capel St Mary at any other time that day.
Plus when Simon Hall gave his first statement on the 7th March 2002 he stated he had left 8, Snowcroft at 6.30pm (SeePart 2) and when he was asked by the police what time he had left following his arrest, he gave the time of half six, seven as is evidenced in his 1st record of interview (page 18).
On the day of his youngest adoptive son’s arrest, Phil Hall told police;
On the 15th December 2001 my wife was upstairs unwell in bed, I don’t know when Simon left the house or even if I saw him at all that day.
I do not know what he was wearing that day at all.
I recall that Lynne had asked Simon to make sure he was back in time to leave for Stoke Rochford in Lincolnshire where we had a family do, I think we left about 8.30 am on the Sunday.
I went to bed quite late and apart from the phone call off of Mrs Albert at about 9.15cpm I don’t recall any other phone calls being received and I don’t recall making any.
I don’t recall what time Simon got home as I was still in bed, he was ready to leave when we left for Lincolnshire.
I don’t recall what he was wearing that day but photographs were taken that day.
As far as I remember Simon was fairly quiet that morning but I think that was tiredness and he slept in the car. I am willing to assist police in this matter
Excerpt from Phil Hall’s police witness statement dated 25th July 2002
Phil Hall & His Strict Routine Of Pizza & Chips On Saturday’s & The “Unusual Atmosphere”
Phil Hall appeared to play dumb to police about events of Saturday the 15th December 2001, and made no mention of food or doing any cooking for himself, or his adoptive son.
Phil Hall also made no mention of his strict routine of customarypizza and chips which Simon had told police about during his 1st interview on 26th July 2002 following his arrest.
And given the fact Lynne Hall was said to be in bed all day, Phil Hall would have had to prepare his own food that day..
The day after Phil Hall had given his 2nd police witness statement, Simon Hall was asked about what time he got ready to go out on the night of Saturday the 15th December 2001, as can be seen by excerpts of his 1st record of interview for that day (from pages 1);
Dc 1023 Okay. Still keeping with the afternoon, what time did you get ready to go out for
SJH For the night?
Dc 1023 For the evening
SJH I’d start to get ready about six
Dc 1023 Okay
SJH We’d have our customary pizza and chips I think, don’t know
Dc 1023 Okay. Is that your Saturday afternoon?
SJH Saturday after… Saturday was always pizza and chips
And excerpts from page 15;
Dc 1023 Just a couple of things Simon. I remember in the first interview you said that when you got ready to go out we asked you, I think, you know, are you or when were you going out, and you said as soon as possible
SJH Hmm
Dc 1023 What did you mean by that?
SJH Being at home is all well and good
Dc 1023 Right
SJH Erm but. It’s a very unusual atmosphere
Dc 1023 Right
SJH In my Mum and Dad’s home. My Dad’s got his strict routine of his pizza and chips and then he’ll go for a drink with his next door neighbour
Not only did Phil Hall omit to mention his strict Saturday routine of pizza and chips, he also omitted to tell police his strict Saturday routine of going for a drink with his next door neighbour.
During the TV show Phil made the false claim the black mole skin type trousers Simon Hall had purchased from Tesco’s, following Simon’s withdrawal of £50 cash at 5.59pm, had never been in his and his wife Lynne’s house at 8 Snowcroft.
But in reality the black mole skin type trousers were taken into 8 Snowcroft, Capel St Mary twice.
The first time was after Simon Hall had purchased the trousers and changed into them, ready to go out for the evening.
The second time would have been when he went back in the same clothes at 6.28am on Sunday the 16th December 2001, after having committed his murder.
Simon Hall admitted. in 2013 he had purchased black mole skin type trousers after his first cash withdrawal on Saturday the 15th December 2001 and changed into them at his parents house. He said it was ‘a fluke’ he had apparently not been picked up on CCTV entering or leaving the Tesco’s store.
It is not known if Simon had originally purchased the black mole skin type trousers to wear for the Christmas family meal in Lincolnshire, but he also disclosed he had been wearing a shirt with ‘red in it’, along with a pair of black office shoes and a black leather jacket before leaving 8 Snowcroft.
Joan Albert’s Killer. Photograph of Simon Hall taken whilst ’at large’ and ‘wanted’ by Suffolk police for a sexually motivated murder
Simon Hall, who was 24 years old at the time of his arrest, was the adopted youngest son of George and Rosemary Hall. George and Rosemary preferred to be called Philip, or Phil for short, and Lynne.
Phil and Lynne Hall started fostering Simon Walton, and his older biological brother Shaun, on the 2nd June 1980, when Simon was three months shy of his 3rd birthday. Although Lynne Hall had indicated to Suffolk police, Simon was around 7 months old when her and her husband had started fostering him.
Simon Walton was on the ’At Risk’ register before he was born on the 14th September 1977.
Simon had had several care givers up until the point he was finally fostered by Phil and Lynne Hall, including by family members of his biological father and short spells back and forth in the local children’s care home.
The story goes that after fostering another little boy for a few months Phil and Lynne Hall were allegedly told by social services the little boy had to be returned.
After returning the little boy to the care of the authorities, Phil and Lynne Hall apparently decided to stop off on their way home for a visit at the local children’s home.
It was here where Lynne and Phil Hall apparently ‘first laid eyes’ on Shaun and Simon Walton, who Lynne Hall said were “sharing a cot” at the time.
On the day her youngest adoptive son Simon Hall was arrested for Joan Albert’s murder, Lynne Hall told police;
… we went on a prospective Foster Parents Course with a view to adoption.
We subsequently went on their list and subsequently we became foster parents to a young boy called X, in total we had him for around five months, he had his second birthday while he was with us.
X had to go back because their (sic) were problems with his natural mother and in fact the rest of the family.
I don’t recall his surname but he was from Holbeach in Lincolnshire.
On the day that we returned X we went to a childrens home in Skegness where we met Shaun and Simon for the first time.
I think Shaun was just over two at that time and Simon is 13 months younger. The boys were very close to each other, Shaun who had been pushed from home to home was both aggressive and protective towards Simon.
Simon being the youngest was much more cuddly. We got on so well with the boys in fact there was an immediate rapport and we became their foster parents within three weeks as oppose to the normal six weeks
We were informed regarding the boys family background.
Their mother was Bernadette and their father was called John, the relationship was volatile and very on off
Excerpts from Lynne Hall’s 25th July 2002 police witness statement
Simon Hall’s biological fathers name was David not ’John’, as Lynne Hall had wrongly told police.
The following is what Phil Hall told Suffolk police about the adoption;
Lynne and I adopted the two boys when they were very young.
The adoption procedure took an extended amount of time due to the fact we moved from Lincolnshire to Capel, as well as the boys on-going family situation and a poor performance from the respective Social Services
Excerpt from Phil Hall’s police witness statement dated 25th July 2002
The Walton/Hall family moved down from Lincolnshire to the village of Capel St Mary in Suffolk in late February 1981.
Simon Walton-Hall apparently did not become known as Simon Hall until around the age of eight years old, when Phil and Lynne Hall finally adopted him.
Further excerpts from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement read;
Prior to Simon’s birth Shaun was taken to hospital because of ill treatment. There were abortive attempts to get the family back together but the boys were left alone in the house, after that the children were taken into care and there was an order issued against the parents.
I think the family name was Walton as initially they were called Shaun and Simon Walton-Hall
In the time between Shaun and Simon going to Primary School I spent a lot of time with them both and then when Shaun went to school by himself I spent a lot of time with Simon.
Although I love both boys equally I think Shaun is the harder to get to know. The boys have been through a lot of stages with each other and in their relationship with Phil and I.
When they were small I never kept the adoption secret from the boys, I was open and honest and kept a photographic collage and also kept a written record.
When they were too small to ask I would raise the adoption and show them the photographs, as they got older they would ask about it and they were able to look at the photos whenever they wished, gradually they stopped asking and the collage sort of faded into the background
The adoption procedure actually took five years instead of the normal two – three years, the reason was that we moved and actually the two Social Services departments in either County did not deal with the procedure very well.
In fact the matter was eventually resolved by a Social Worker who worked at Hadleigh, a man in his forties called Ted. In fact the boys got on very well with Ted and called him Teddy, recently I tried to contact him as I wanted to talk to him about Simon but he had left
While the boys were at schools we had no real problems with them.
There was only one time I can remember the adoption being an issue. Shaun and Simon were about 11 and 12 and there was a programme about adoption, I think it was Home and Away.
Excerpts from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated 25th July 2002
Real History Of Adoption Not Known Until 2010
The real history of Simon Hall’s biological family history would not be fully known until Simon received his adoption records in 2010.
Some excerpts from these records read;
Simon your family history begins before you were born. Your older sibling had suffered harm, and his, and subsequently your, names were placed on the ’At Risk’ register. As a result of this support was put into place in the form of home help, there would be ongoing support three time a day, six days a week to the family on yours and your mothers discharge from hospital after you were born
You and your birth mother were discharged from hospital on the 20th September 1977. At this time the whole family were living in a one bed roomed flat, the pressure of living in a small enclosed area soon over whelmed both Bernadette and David. David had huge feelings of anger in particular when he heard of another family being re-housed before his family. This situation made David suggest that you two children were placed in the care of the local authority as he felt there was a possibility of harm coming to either of you.
The local authority assisted Bernadette and David in securing alternative accommodations, many visits took place, seeing the family in the evenings and at weekends. The housing situation caused both parents great stress, on a separate occasion the police were called to sort out a dispute between Bernadette and the family that lived below you in the flat. The other family were saying that Bernadette could not put you out in the garden area as it was their area. The result of this was the social worker calling upon the landlord to settle the dispute.
The family were offered alternative accommodation but as a new flat had been promised in three weeks time they declined as they felt the two moves in close succession would be too much for the family.
In October 1977 Simon began to have problems with feeding, medication was prescribed, this problem seemed to continue for over a month.
Excerpt from Simon Hall’s adoption records (Obtained in 2010)
The four Walton family members moved house on the 2nd January 1978.
Further excerpts from Simon Hall’s adoption records read;
Arrangements were put into place for the two children (Simon and his brother) to be cared for in the form of babysitting while the family move home. Within the new home both the children would have their own bedrooms, David decorated the house, and all was reported to be going well.
In February 1978 Simon began teething, which seemed to cause the usual distress to all babies
Child protection case conference was held on the 6th March 1978, reports felt the family were doing well, a recommendation that a twin pushchair is obtained for the family
Only a few days after the conference, a referral was made, with concerns to the older child in the family having a mark on his face. David and Bernadette believed that they knew who had made this; they believed it to be David’s mother. The family had fallen out over the weekend and the visit had ended in a threat of Mrs Walton senior saying she would report the family to social service.
David had visited his mother to see if she had reported them, she denied it, David had believed this but Bernadette had not. This had resulted in David returning to his mother (sic) house and a further argument ensued.
The social worker spoke with Mrs Walton senior, they had recently moved near to David and Bernadette. Whilst talking to her, she felt that Mrs Walton is very possessive over David, and David must be struggling with split loyalties between the two women.
David and Bernadette also spoke with the social worker about how difficult it is for David now he is out of work. To fill his time he will often call around to his mothers house on these trips he will often take Shaun. When Shaun is not taken his mother quizzes him about why he has not visited with David.
David and Bernadette feel under pressure having many professionals watching them, they are concerned that another referral will come in soon from a former foster carers of S. (sic)
The family went to visit Bernadette’s father over the Easter break. Bernadette reports a positive visit.
The family were feeling more positive as David was to return to work in May on the railway
During a home visit on the 2nd June 1978 Bernadette asked for both boys to be cared for whilst she went into hospital on the 7th June 1978 for some tests.
Simon and his brother were placed in Burgh Hall between 6th – 10th June 1978
Home visit made to family on the 21st June 1978, no reply.
On the 22nd June reports were received that Bernadette had left home the day previous and David had reported her missing to the police. Social workers visited the home no reply, they visited the railway, and David had not been into work.
Then they spoke with Mrs Walton senior, she had not seen the family over the last day or so, but did report seeing Bernadette a few days ago, not looking well with a black eye. She said that she had felt uneasy about Bernadette’s presentation so sent one of her other children around to the home at 3.30pm.
The child discovered the two children in the home alone, crying the house key was pinned to the door with a message to David’s brother and wife who had been on holiday in the area and visiting daily.
The family had put some arrangements together for the children to say (sic) with different family members, which had happened. The social workers felt that it would be better for the boys to both be placed at Burgh Hall so the whereabouts of the children could be confirmed.
David was visited at his mothers address, he was very worried about the whereabouts of Bernadette, and he reported her to be well on the Tuesday. Bernadette had rung him on the Wednesday at 11am, he then understands that she left the house in a taxi at 11.45am (neighbour had reported).
David explained the black eye as, Bernadette catching her face on an iron plant pot fixed in the front porch.
David said that he had thought about giving up his job to look after the boys, but he didn’t think this was the best arrangement and was in agreement of both boys to be received into care at Burgh Hall. Simon had been living with is uncle and wife at RAF Conningsby.
Simon and his brother admitted to Burgh Hall on 23rd June 1978.
Home visit was made to David on the 23rd June, as he should have visited the office first thing. David had not been out of bed long. He said he had found Bernadette in Leeds, and after a long talk she had returned to Skegness with him. They arrived back to Skegness at 2am.
Bernadette was spoken to alone, she admitted feeling depressed and her stay in hospital had ’tipped the balance’. Bernadette said that on Wednesday she felt she ’just had to get away’; she packed her case and went, hitch hiking it to Leeds.
Bernadette said that she had left the boys in the belief that Dennis and Elaine (Uncle and aunt to children) would visited, (sic) as they had every day so far, so she expected them that day. She said that the boys were safe in bed when she left. She said that she could not take them with her as she could not hitchhike with two small children.
Bernadette did not see the two boys as the cause of her problems; she described them as ’good to look after’. Bernadette confirmed the black as (sic) her hitting her head on the iron plant pot; she also had a graze mark across her nose.
David and Bernadette agree that the best plan for the two boys was for them to be received into care at Burgh Hall.
Bernadette went to the GP and was prescribed tablets for her low mood. She also shared with the worker that accompanied her that her main concerns were around her relationship with David.
She felt that he had an expectation of her to be like his mother, who is very house-proud and his strong feeling about what the women’s role is in a family. Bernadette stated that David is keen to provide a materially good home and save money to fall back on, but she feels it is at the expense of the present.
It appears from the file that communication between David and Bernadette was very poor; she had not shared with David the reason for her stay in hospital.
Simon remains in care, contact happens see separate sheet
13th July 1978 case conference-decisions were that boys to be returned home on the condition that parent (sic) accept support from all agencies involved. Arrangements made for daily support for the family of home help from Monday 17th July 1978.
At the end of August David went into the social care office to report that he would be finishing work on the 6th September and would not need the home help support anymore as he would be at home to support Bernadette.
On the 4th September 1978 the social worker received a telephone call from Mrs Walton Senior. She reported that Bernadette had left the children again in bed on Sunday night and David had travelled down late that evening with his father to Dover in the hope of finding her at her fathers.
David had taken the children with him. Bernadette had not been found so David was planning on hiring a car and travelling to Leeds with the children. Mrs Walton was concerned as David had only just returned from Dover.
A visit was made to David, Simon and his brothers (sic) were outside the house in their pushchair. David said that he was about to set off to Leeds to see if Bernadette was with her mother or brother.
David confirmed that on Sunday night he had visited his mother home (sic) at about 8pm. He had only intended to stay a short time, while he was away, the boys were in bed, Bernadette left the house. He said that he set off on his moped (unsure where boys were) in search for her, he wanted to find her before she got too far.
David and his father then set off in the early hours to Dover with both boys in the car. David said that he had rowed with Bernadette’s father and this had not helped the situation.
David was advised that it would not be safe to transport the two boys on his own all the way to Leeds, also that the boys would need feeding/changing and needed to rest as they had had a much disrupted night.
David agreed, Simon and his brother were placed with local authority foster carers, as Burgh Hall were on summer holidays, this was seen as a temporary placement
David telephoned social worker on the 5th September to say he had not found Bernadette in Leeds.
Reports state that David was admitted to hospital following an attempted suicide attempt, he had taken an overdose, and put his head in the gas oven.
Mrs Walton senior asked the social worker to call around as she wanted to share her concerns with regards to her son David, and that he would have to accept responsibility for his treatment and attitude towards Bernadette and the children and that was why Bernadette would have left. Mrs Walton said that she had received various reports about David’s treatment of both children; he had been seen strapping the children in the pushchair or highchairs without being allowed to play around
Mrs Walton also reported that months ago her brother had met up with David in town, David was threatening to hit Bernadette, and Mrs Walton believes that Bernadette was pregnant at the time. Mrs Walton said that on reflecting on the situation she felt that Bernadette had acted in the children’s best interest by leaving them because she knew they would have been taken into care away from David.
13th September 1978, David discharged himself from the care of the hospital, he returned home. Mrs Walton senior concerned that David may go looking for Bernadette again, and that she may be in danger.
18th September 1978, letters sent to Bernadette’s fathers, mothers and brothers addresses looking for Bernadette.
David goes into office to talk to social worker; he is not willing to take ant responsibility for Bernadette leaving. He informs the social worker he and his mother are going to visit Leeds in the hope of finding Bernadette.
19th September 1978, David telephoned to say that the police had contacted him advising him not to go to Leeds looking for Bernadette, David agrees to this advice. Mrs Walton was contacted, she confirmed the police visit, but said that the police officer had let it slip that Bernadette was in Dover.
The local authority contacted Dover local authority asking for support in contacting Bernadette at her father’s home Dover.
22nd September 1978, Bernadette had made contact with the probation department in Dover, she said that she was living with her father and working at the bingo hall. Arrangements made for social worker to visit Bernadette before the forthcoming case conference, agreed meeting 26th September
Social worker sets off to Dover to be informed at Boston station that Bernadette had returned to Kent*. (sic) Further investigation finds that David had travelled to Dover the evening before; there had been a lot of talking between David and Bernadette. Bernadette then agreed to return with David and they left Dover about 4 o’clock.
On Bernadette’s return there is a huge amount of falling out between David/Bernadette and his family, this continues with threats etc.
27th September 1978, Bernadette and David visit Simon and his brother, this is the first time they see their mother since 4th September
28th September 1978, case conference – recommendation, David and Bernadette to have as much contact as possible and a decision would be made in a month’s time around the boy’s future
28th Sept – 24th October 1978 – Bernadette and David have ongoing contact, although this is not always consistent with plans in place.
Review of plans – decision for Simon and his brother to return to the care of Bernadette and David’s care on the 11th December, it is felt that the home situation is satisfactory for their return.
Some ongoing concerns of Bernadette’s and David’s attitude towards care workers at Burgh Hall with regards of the children’s care.
1st December 1978 – Simon is now walking
8th December 1978 – visit to David and Bernadette to plan the boys return on the 11th December 1978. David and Bernadette are informed that this will be their last opportunity to care for the boys long-term as the boys could not be received into care every time they met a crisis.
11th December 1978 – Bernadette goes with the social worker to pick up Simon and his brother. Comments made by the lack of emotional warmth from parents towards the children on their return, David said that he would have to take them to ’visit their gran’.
22nd December 1978 – home visit made by social worker, all appears to be going well, the family are looking forward to Christmas
2nd January 1978 – home visit made by social worker, David was clearing snow in the garden. Bernadette was observed as being distant, shutting everyone out, she spent most of the time watching the television. Simon seemed well and happily playing with his toys from Christmas
The family started to disengage with professionals again, concerns re; S not attending playgroup when this had been agreed as part of the plan.
7th March 1979 – Bernadette again left Simon and his brother alone in the house; this took place in the daytime when David was expected home for lunch. Her whereabouts were unknown until 17th April when she was traced to Dover. David was in permanent employment, along with being distressed, not being able to care for the boys, they returned to the care of Burgh hall together.
29th June 1979 – Full care order of Simon and his brother gained through the court at Skegness juvenile court
October 1979 – David and Bernadette informed that contact with Simon will stop as the boys need to settle into a family situation and have the security of a stable environment
26th March 1980 – X born at home – full sibling
2nd June 1980 – Foster placement starts with Mr and Mrs Hall
Foster family along with Simon and his brother move to Capel St Mary late February 1981
July 1984 – X born – full sibling
Excerpts from Simon Hall’s adoption records
*Kent is what the social worker, who put the adoption records together for Simon Hall in 2010 used, but it should read Skegness
Lynne Hall often exaggerated about the timings of when her and her husband had initially first fostered Simon Hall and his older brother, and about when the four of them first moved to Capel St Mary.
For example, within the first two sentences of her first police witness statement, Lynne Hall had stated she had lived at 8, Snowcroft for 2 years longer than she actually had.
We moved to our current address around 22 years ago. When we first moved in I had two young children. We actually moved down from Spalding in Lincolnshire as my husband moved with his job
Excerpt from Lynne Hall’s police witness statement dated 18th December 2001
Almost 3 1/2 By Time He Was Fostered By Lynne & Phil Hall
Simon Hall appeared to be under the impression he was around one years old when he was first fostered by Lynne and Phil Hall.
Extracts from his police interview read (Pages 9 and 10 Record of interview);
Dc 1023 Thank you. What we need to speak to you about now Simon is, as I mentioned earlier, that basically an antecedence made, that means a history of your life if you like to your recollection
SJH OK
Dc 1023 Now, you were born, I understand you were born in Skegness, if I can give you a starter for that
SJH Yes
Dc 1023 And I’ll leave it to you to go ahead as best you can
SJH What from birth?
Dc 1023 If you can recall that far, that’s fine. If you can’t that’s not a problem. To your best recollection
SJH OK. I was born in Skegness, like you said, two parents, my real parents not the parents that I’m with now
Dc 1023 Sure, right
SJH I got taken away from them. Then I was with my now parents from about one year old or whatever
Dc 1023 Right
SJH We lived in Lincolnshire for a little while. Moved to Capel St Mary twenty-three, two, twenty-two, twenty-three years ago
Parish Council Chairman Gerald White
On the 1st March 2003, the day after Simon Hall was found guilty of Joan Albert’s murder, the Evening Star newspaper reported the following, under the header, ‘Village relieved Capel killer is jailed’
A leading Capel St Mary figure and former neighbour of Simon Hall’s family says people feel safer now Joan Albert’s killer is behind bars.
Gerald White, parish council chairman, used to live next door to Hall’s mother, Lynn, in Snowcroft, Capel, and remembers the time when she adopted Simon.
Summing up the mood of the village after the verdict was reached at Norwich Crown Court on Friday, he said:
“I think people are relieved that someone has been convicted but they are obviously quite shocked at the involvement of someone who knew the family
“It is a sad day, but in a way I think people are relieved that someone has been caught for the murder
“If he was found not guilty it would still leave it wide open that someone is still around who committed the crime
But Mr White was anxious that there would be no bad feeling towards Hall’s adopted family.
“Lynn (Simon’s mother) is so well known for the charity work etc she must be absolutely shattered
“I think people in the village are feeling for the family
“We can remember when they first adopted the boys, they were only about two. They (Simon’s parents) were both thrilled to bits when the adoption came through
“It is difficult for all of us
“Not just as it was someone in the village, but someone so closely connected with the family
“I hope there will be no recrimination. People do know Lynn, she is a lovely woman and at one time was the sole collector for the RSPCA in the village. I don’t think there will be any
“Lynn obviously must be very distressed. People are feeling for Joan Albert’s family but at the same time there is also this connection with the two families. It is so sad
Gerald White, a leading figure from Capel St Mary who once lived next door to the Hall’s, must have misremembered (similarly to Lynne Hall) about the ages of Simon Hall and his brother when they were “first adopted”.
Simon was almost 3 and a half years old when he first moved to Capel and wasn’t adopted until a few years later.
Adopted children in the UK can face enduring mental health and behavioural problems. New research found no improvement in children’s mental health four years after they were adopted. The children’s emotional and behavioural problems increased with the number of adverse childhood experiences they had. These adverse childhood experiences include abuse, neglect and unstable living arrangements.
Researchers looked at children’s experiences before they were adopted, such as maltreatment, the number of times they moved home and how long they spent in care. They then looked at data on the children’s psychological health after adoption.
They found that adoption in itself was not linked to an improvement in mental health. The researchers recommend that adoptive parents and social workers should have as much biographical information as possible about a child’s life before and during care.
INNOCENCE FRAUD WATCH 