GEORGE WALKER FROM BOLTON AND CARNFORTH JAILED FOR SYSTEMATIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG BOY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bolton and Carnforth, retired council gardener George Walker has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a pattern of systematic sexual abuse and rape involving a young boy. The proceedings unfolded at Bolton Crown Court, where Walker, aged 70, was visibly overwhelmed as Judge Timothy Clayson delivered the verdict, gasping, staggering, and clutching his chest in the dock.

Walker’s trial revealed a harrowing account of abuse that spanned several years, beginning when the victim was just nine years old. The jury, composed of nine women and three men, took less than two and a half hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict on all three charges of buggery and 21 counts of indecent assault. These charges were related to a single boy, with the abuse occurring during the 1980s, when Walker resided in Sharples, Bolton, and was employed as a council gardener until his retirement five years prior to the trial.

It was also disclosed that Walker had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent assault on a boy when he was 14 years old, admitting to performing a sex act on the same child on two occasions. The court heard that the abuse began with what appeared to be innocent play, such as a 'play fight,' which later escalated into sexual acts. The victim, now in his 30s, finally came forward to authorities, fearing for the safety of other children, and revealed that the abuse had continued until he was 14, when Walker forced him to perform a sex act on him.

Throughout the trial, the court learned that Walker’s wife, who had worked as a childminder for 43 years, was unaware of his actions. The couple, who had no children of their own, had hoped to spend their later years near the Lake District, a plan that was now impossible due to Walker’s conviction. Defense lawyer Jacob Dyer emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting Walker had ever abused or attempted to groom any other children, and he expressed hope that Walker’s remaining years would be peaceful.

Judge Clayson described the case as a clear example of systematic abuse, highlighting the severity and frequency of Walker’s crimes. He stated, “The offences involved grooming him and abusing him,” and noted that the number of charges reflected a pattern of repeated offenses. The judge also ordered Walker to be placed on the sex offenders’ register, requiring him to notify police of his whereabouts for the rest of his life. Given his age, Walker is expected to serve nearly 80 years before he becomes eligible for release, effectively ensuring he remains incarcerated for the foreseeable future.