Partner at Manchester law firm struck off after child abuse sting

A partner at a top Manchester law firm was caught in a 'paedophile sting' operation.David Storry Walton, formerly of Spinningfields-based DWF Law, admitted trying to connect with a child for sexual gratification. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard that Walton's communication included sending sexually explicit photographs, asking about sexual preferences, and discussing masturbation.Walton was arrested at his residence on November 3, 2019, after being duped by a paedophile hunter group into believing he was communicating with an underage person. Subsequently, he resigned from DWF Law the following month. On October 26 of the previous year, Walton was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to a community order and five years on the sex offenders register. Judge Alan Conrad condemned Walton's actions as 'very wrong,' noting that "in fact the perverted thrill for you was in the conversation itself rather than any concluded intention of meeting the other person, and it is of note that it stopped on October 24 and it was only a couple of weeks later when they came round to your house after everything else had gone silent." The judge acknowledged Walton's shame and some degree of remorse, citing testimonials praising his character. The tribunal also highlighted that Walton had no intention of re-entering legal practice, having retired and expressed no plans to seek re-registration or employment. Recognizing the seriousness of his offense, the tribunal decided to strike Walton off. As part of the sentence, Walton was ordered to pay £3,000 in costs.