BRUCE WALKER FROM WALLSEND CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES WHILE ON BAIL IN NORTH TYNESIDE

In July 2017, authorities conducted a raid on the residence of Bruce Walker, a man residing in Wallsend, North Tyneside, uncovering a disturbing collection of illicit material stored on his electronic devices. During the search, police seized a Samsung mobile phone and a Hewlett Packard tablet, both of which contained a total of 164 images and videos depicting child abuse. Among these, 27 were classified as Category A, representing the most severe and disturbing content involving the rape and torture of children.

Walker, aged 65 at the time, was questioned by officers and maintained that he had not intentionally searched for or downloaded such images. Instead, he claimed that he had been using chat-rooms, which he suggested might have led to the inadvertent acquisition of the illicit material. Despite his denials, the evidence on his devices was undeniable. At the time of the raid, Walker was granted bail as investigations into his activities continued.

However, the situation took a further troubling turn two months later. A mobile phone, which had been handed into a shop in North Shields for sale, was traced back to Walker after staff alerted police to the presence of six vile images stored on the device. Walker, who previously lived in Essex Gardens, Wallsend, claimed that these images had been “inadvertently downloaded,” attempting to downplay the severity of the content.

Following these discoveries, Walker faced multiple charges. He ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children. The court proceedings revealed that the images on his devices ranged across various categories, with the most serious being Category A, and included videos and photographs depicting the sexual abuse of minors.

Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Walker to a 12-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, Walker was ordered to participate in a rehabilitation program and was required to register as a sex offender. He was also placed under a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for ten years. The judge emphasized the gravity of Walker’s actions, noting that it was an aggravating factor that he possessed further illicit images on a second device while already on bail for the initial offences. The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of the crimes committed and the ongoing threat posed by individuals involved in such activities.