ANTHONY WALKER OF PWLLHELI RECEIVES LAST CHANCE FROM CAERNARFON COURT

In March 2019, a judge handed down a final chance to Anthony Walker, a man from Pwllheli with a previous conviction related to child abuse images. Walker, aged 49 and residing on Abererch Road, was sentenced by Caernarfon Crown Court to a two-year community order, accompanied by a stern warning that this was his last opportunity to reform.

The court was told that Walker was motivated to seek help and make positive changes. Prosecuting barrister Elen Owen revealed that Walker had secretly used his wife’s computer account in an attempt to conceal his online activities from police, who were supervising him due to his past conviction.

Defence lawyer Ryan Rothwell explained that Walker had been at “rock bottom” last summer but had since been making steady efforts to improve himself. “Since then there has been a steady period of change,” Rothwell said. “He was advised to seek help from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. He’s spoken to someone from Lucy Faithfull and to the mental health services.”

Rothwell emphasized that Walker had been trying to get out of a “rut” and noted that a short prison term wouldn’t serve his rehabilitation. He also pointed out that Walker cared for his wife, who would be left isolated without his support.

Judge Huw Rees commented on Walker’s history, noting that in 2013 there was no obligation for the probation service to supervise him after prison release, which he said was “the strongest point in his favour.” The judge highlighted that Walker had admitted to five offences, yet his re-offending indicated a lack of genuine remorse or change. “Your offending was purposeful and planned,” he remarked, adding, “You have shown persistence in your perversion.”

Most of the 500 images involved were classified as the least serious category. Judge Rees cautioned that Walker’s new motivation to address his offending would be closely tested. “You should consider this to be your last chance,” he warned. “Don’t regard this as a soft option. This is meant to be a constructive sentence.”