CARL WALKER'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN HULL: SEX OFFENDER'S REIGN OF TERROR IN WEST HULL AND CITY CENTRE

In December 2018, Carl Walker, a man with a troubling criminal history, was apprehended after a series of disturbing incidents involving the grooming and sexual assault of minors and women in Hull. The investigation into his activities revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned several weeks, causing widespread fear among residents and prompting a significant police response.

Walker, who resided on Boulevard in west Hull, was identified as a dangerous individual responsible for multiple sexual offenses. His crimes included grooming children online, as well as physically assaulting women and young girls in public spaces within the city. The police investigation uncovered that Walker targeted victims ranging from as young as 12 years old to women in their 60s, primarily in the city centre and the western parts of Hull.

His modus operandi involved cycling up behind his victims on a black mountain bike with a silver handlebar, which was distinctive enough for police to identify him. The bike's off-center headlight was a key detail in linking him to the crimes. Walker would approach his victims on his bicycle, often in broad daylight, and commit indecent assaults by touching them inappropriately before fleeing the scene. The attacks occurred between October 17 and November 6 of the previous year, with as many as four victims targeted daily within a radius of just three miles.

Initially, Walker's assaults involved slapping victims' bottoms, but over time, his actions became more serious and invasive. One particularly distressing incident involved a 14-year-old girl who was chased and assaulted by Walker. She later described her experience, stating, "I’m no longer allowed out alone now. The feeling of fear I had that night was terrifying. I never want to feel it again." The fear and trauma inflicted on victims have left many residents too frightened to walk the streets alone, especially in the areas where these assaults occurred.

Following an attack on October 25, police responded swiftly and managed to arrest Walker as he cycled away from the scene. Despite being released on bail, he was re-arrested on November 6 after two additional assaults. The police, with the help of media outlets such as The Mail, which published CCTV images of Walker, were able to gather crucial evidence and identify him as the perpetrator. The CCTV footage played a vital role in the investigation, showing Walker riding his distinctive bike with the off-center headlight.

During his court appearance at Hull Crown Court, Walker pleaded guilty to 13 counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault. The court also ordered that seven additional sexual assault charges be left on file. Judge Michael Mettyear, the honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, sentenced Walker to three and a half years in prison. The judge emphasized the ongoing risk Walker posed to women and children, citing the persistent and escalating nature of his offending. He stated, "You would ride up to them on your bicycle and touch them in private parts. They were understandably shocked and disgusted by your conduct, some were very frightened and some haven’t really recovered from what happened."

Walker’s criminal record includes previous convictions for indecent assault on young children, and he has served time in prison before. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was banned from unsupervised contact with children. Additionally, he is prohibited from entering parks, amusement arcades, and leisure centers for the next seven years. If Walker commits any further offenses within seven years of his release, he will be recalled to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.

The investigation and subsequent conviction highlight the importance of community vigilance and media cooperation in bringing offenders like Walker to justice. The police praised the bravery of the victims and witnesses who came forward after seeing the appeals, which ultimately led to Walker’s arrest and prosecution. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by sexual predators and the need for continued vigilance to protect vulnerable members of society in Hull and beyond.