GEORGE WALKER PLYMOUTH ARMY CADET ABUSE SHOCKER
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community, 79-year-old George Walker, a former army cadets officer based in Plymouth, has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for sexually abusing young boys during his time with the cadet corps.The court proceedings revealed a pattern of predatory behavior that has left lasting scars on the victims and has tarnished the reputation of the military training organization he served.
Preston Crown Court heard that Walker’s misconduct took place during the 1970s when he was believed to hold the rank of captain or lieutenant within the Burnley and Padiham Cadets.
The abuse came to light only after one of his victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, reported him to the police in 2014.
This report was prompted by the victim’s reaction to a BBC documentary about a scoutmaster convicted of child sexual abuse, which triggered memories of Walker’s own misconduct.
The victim recounted that he had been a promising young recruit with aspirations of a military career.
However, the trauma inflicted by Walker shattered those dreams.
The night before he was scheduled to begin basic training, the young man feigned an ankle injury, unable to face the prospect of starting his military journey after the abuse he endured.
The court heard that Walker’s misconduct included placing his hand down the victim’s trousers to prevent him from slouching during parade drills, an act that was part of a broader pattern of sexual misconduct.
Further allegations revealed that Walker had also abused another boy, with evidence indicating he had squeezed one of the boys’ genitals and even put his tongue in his ear.
The court was told that Walker took a particular interest in one of the boys, taking him on a theatre trip to Manchester, where he groped him in an almost deserted auditorium.
These acts of abuse were corroborated by the second victim, who described how Walker’s actions extended beyond inappropriate touching to more invasive conduct.
Walker denied all charges, which included ten counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency with a child.
Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty on all counts after a trial at Burnley Crown Court.
The prosecution, led by Joanna Rodriguez, emphasized the profound impact of Walker’s actions on his victims.
She stated, “The victim says his life has been ruined.
He has had an underlying unhappiness, which has probably led to the depression he has gone on to suffer.” During sentencing, Recorder Mark Ainsworth highlighted the long-term consequences of childhood abuse, noting, “As these cases come before the court, we see the impact this sort of abuse has on people as adults.
The victim had his heart set on joining the army, and the night before he was to start basic training, he just couldn’t go.” The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of Walker’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, who had trusted him as a figure of authority and guidance in their formative years.
