Blackpool Man Jailed for Heinous Sex Offenses

A man has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for a series of heinous sex offenses against two young women. Gareth Walton was found guilty of 19 charges, including rape, after a trial held in July at Preston Crown Court. The Lancashire police launched an investigation following reports of the crimes in January of this year. Walton, aged 44 and residing in Blackpool, was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. Det Sgt Cherie Hall emphasized the bravery of the victims, stating, “Walton committed these deplorable offences against two vulnerable victims. Both of them showed great courage and bravery to report these offences and then to give evidence at the trial. I welcome the long prison sentence passed on Walton and it shows how seriously the judge viewed the offences committed.” Walton's sentencing reflects the serious judicial response to such criminal acts, and he was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.