GEORGE WALKER FROM BURNLEY AND HASLINGDEN EXPOSED FOR ABUSE IN PLYMOUTH AND EAST LANCASHIRE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Burnley, Haslingden, and Plymouth, a former army cadet leader named George Walker has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed decades ago. Walker, aged 80 and currently residing in Plymouth, previously served as a lieutenant and later a captain within the army cadet detachments based in Burnley and Haslingden during the mid-1970s. His actions, which spanned several years, involved a calculated campaign of abuse targeting vulnerable young boys under his command.

According to court proceedings, Walker exploited his position of authority and trust to manipulate and groom at least four boys from East Lancashire. His methods included befriending the boys and their families, establishing a false sense of trust, and then gradually escalating his inappropriate behavior from kissing and fondling to acts that resembled sexual assault and rape. The court was told that Walker’s manipulative tactics extended to gaining the confidence of at least two sets of parents, which allowed him to carry out his abuse with relative impunity.

Two of Walker’s victims provided emotional testimony to Judge Andrew Jeffries QC, revealing the profound psychological scars left by his actions. They described how Walker’s grooming, coupled with promises of helping them achieve their dreams of joining the military, deeply affected their mental health. Some victims admitted to contemplating or even attempting suicide in later life, haunted by the memories of their abuse.

Walker’s criminal history includes a prior conviction from 2017, when he was found guilty of molesting two army cadets in the Burnley and Rossendale areas. He was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. It was this case, extensively covered by the Lancashire Telegraph, that prompted additional victims to come forward, revealing the extent of Walker’s predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Lisa Worsley recounted a particularly disturbing incident involving one of Walker’s victims, whose parents he had befriended. Walker had asked the boy to help him paint his cottage in Edenfield. During the task, Walker took the opportunity to grope the boy, who then fled the scene and returned home. The victim’s parents dismissed his claims, branding him a liar and calling him a “dirty little boy,” which further compounded his trauma, the court heard.

Walker’s pattern of abuse was not limited to the 1970s. He pleaded guilty to 20 counts of indecency involving boys as young as 13 during that period. In addition, the court was informed of a 1982 conviction for buggery involving a cadet, for which he served three years in prison. His criminal record underscores a long history of predatory behavior.

Judge Jeffries sentenced Walker to an additional eight years and four months behind bars. In his remarks, the judge acknowledged the enduring pain experienced by Walker’s victims and emphasized that they should not feel shame or guilt for what happened. Instead, he directed his comments at Walker, stating, “The guilt and shame is all yours.”

Defending Walker, Simeon Evans expressed that his client had come to recognize, albeit late in life, the seriousness of his offenses and the harm caused to his victims. The court’s verdict and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of abuse and the importance of justice for those affected.