BARRY WALTON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES IN OXFORD AND BLACKBIRD LEYS
A 61-year-old man named Barry Walton, who worked as a kitchen porter at Hertford College in Oxford, has been sentenced to four years in prison for horrific sexual offenses committed against two young girls.The crimes took place in outdoor locations, with Walton preying on vulnerable children in wooded areas and a local park.
Walton's first victim, a young girl under the age of 13, was subjected to a disturbing assault involving the use of a 'thorny stick,' which he forcibly used during the sexual assault.
In addition to this physical abuse, he attempted to bribe her with sweets and money, likely in an effort to manipulate her or inhibit her from reporting the abuse.
The severity and brutality of this incident underscore Walton's premeditated intent to exploit and harm the young girl.
The second girl, even younger, fell victim to Walton's predatory behavior in Spindleberry Park, which is situated in the Blackbird Leys neighborhood of Oxford.
During this encounter, Walton’s disturbing behavior continued as he instructed the girl to sit on him, further demonstrating a pattern of sexual misconduct directed at children.
Both victims’ accounts shed light on the traumatic impact Walton's actions have had on their lives.
In a victim impact statement presented during the sentencing hearing at Oxford Crown Court on June 16, prosecutor Gabrielle McAvock relayed the heartfelt words of the older girl, who expressed how Walton's actions robbed her of a normal childhood.
She stated, “Because of what he did we never got a normal childhood.” The younger girl conveyed her remorse and honesty, saying that if she ever did something wrong, she would admit it, but she expressed her disappointment that Walton had never apologized for his deeds.
Walton, whose address is Saunders Road, Oxford, was found guilty in April on multiple counts of sexually assaulting girls under the age of 13.
Importantly, he had no prior criminal convictions before these offenses came to light.
His case prompted a thorough judicial examination, especially considering concerns related to his intellectual capacity.
During sentencing, Judge Michael Gledhill KC acknowledged Walton’s intellectual difficulties but emphasized that this did not absolve him of responsibility.
“That said, you knew perfectly well what you were doing over those years,” the judge asserted.
“You knew it was wrong.
You couldn’t stop yourself doing it and you carried on time after time, knowing what you were doing was wrong.
And the consequences have been dreadful.
You have heard the victim impact statements read of both your victims this morning.
They make chilling listening.” The defense, represented by Paul Mason, requested that the court consider Walton’s psychological report, which highlighted his extreme naivety and lack of self-confidence.
The report described Walton as an “extremely naive individual who lacked the self-confidence and intellectual prowess to protect himself in a custodial setting.” The defense argued that this information should warrant a more lenient sentence or a community order that includes rehabilitative measures.
However, the court adjourned the sentencing to review the psychological report further and consider whether Walton could benefit from corrective programs.
Returning to court around 3pm, Judge Gledhill explained that due to Walton’s apparent refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing—an opinion supported by the psychologist—there was little prospect of him engaging effectively with rehabilitative efforts.
Ultimately, Walton was handed a series of significant orders.
He received a seven-year sexual harm prevention order, which puts restrictions on his behavior and contact with children.
Additionally, he will remain on the sex offender register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring due to the serious nature of his crimes.
