KEVIN WALLIS FROM DUMBARTON FACES CHARGES FOR ABUSE ON DARTMOOR AND IN AVONWICK

In a case that has shocked the community, Kevin Wallis, a former Royal Navy serviceman and Falklands War veteran, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the 1980s. The incidents took place over several years, primarily on Dartmoor, a rugged and remote area in South Devon, where Wallis allegedly subjected the girl to repeated abuse.

At the time of the offenses, Wallis was residing in Avonwick, a small village in South Devon. It was during this period that he allegedly told the young girl that the abuse was 'their little secret,' a phrase often used by perpetrators to manipulate and silence victims. The girl, who only came forward to report the abuse as an adult, did so two years prior to the trial, revealing the long-lasting impact of the trauma she endured.

Wallis, who served in the Royal Navy for over four decades, claimed that the woman’s accusations were influenced by a soap opera, suggesting that her allegations were not based on truth. Despite his defense, the court found him guilty of multiple charges after a week-long trial that included nine hours of jury deliberation. The jury returned a majority verdict, convicting Wallis of attempted rape, five counts of indecent assault, and indecency with a child. He was acquitted of two additional indecency charges, which indicates that the evidence for those particular incidents was not sufficient to secure a conviction.

The charges against Wallis included some that were described as specimen, meaning they involved multiple similar incidents of abuse, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior. The court proceedings revealed the severity and repeated nature of the offenses, which spanned several years and involved a vulnerable young girl.

During the sentencing phase, Paul Dentith, representing Wallis, requested a delay so that his client could 'put his house in order.' However, Judge Ian Lawrie decided to remand Wallis in custody, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes and the need for appropriate punishment. The case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the heinous nature of the offenses but also due to Wallis’s background as a decorated military veteran, which adds a complex layer to the public’s perception of justice and accountability.