MARK WALTON FROM ABINGDON CAUGHT SHARING INDECENT IMAGES ONLINE IN SHOCKING CASE
| Red Rose Database
Abingdon Child Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Abingdon, a young man named Mark Walton has been found guilty of possessing and sharing indecent images of children. The incident came to light in January 2017, when police executed a search at Walton's residence and uncovered a troubling collection of illicit material.
Mark Walton, aged 19 at the time, was living on Springfield Drive in Abingdon. He was reportedly caring for his mother, who is confined to a wheelchair, which added a layer of complexity to his personal circumstances. The court heard that Walton had been battling depression following the discovery of his illegal activities, which involved more than 400 indecent images depicting children aged between six and ten years old.
Walton admitted that he had started viewing this grotesque material when he was just 16 years old. Despite the severity of his actions, he maintained that he did not possess any sexual interest towards children, a claim that the court scrutinized closely. During the proceedings, Deputy Circuit Judge Patrick Eccles QC expressed frustration over Walton's refusal to explain why he had downloaded the images onto his laptop and mobile phone, which the police had seized during their investigation.
Following the police search in January, Walton was immediately identified by himself when officers arrived at his home. His Sony laptop and Samsung Galaxy phone were confiscated as evidence. Subsequently, Walton was taken to Abingdon Police Station, where he confessed to downloading and sharing the illicit images. The court was informed that Walton had no prior criminal convictions, which was considered during sentencing.
In addition to the possession and sharing of indecent images, Walton was ordered to pay costs amounting to £475 and a victim surcharge. The court also imposed a series of penalties aimed at preventing future offenses, including a three-year community order, a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a sexual harm prevention order, 100 hours of unpaid community work, and participation in a 30-day internet sex offenders treatment program.
Prosecutor Cathy Olliver outlined the details of the case, emphasizing Walton's immediate cooperation with police and his remorsefulness. Walton faced four charges in total: three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing prohibited images of a child, with the offenses spanning from June 16, 2014, to January 1, 2016. The court's decision reflects the gravity of his actions and the ongoing concern over online exploitation and abuse.
Mark Walton, aged 19 at the time, was living on Springfield Drive in Abingdon. He was reportedly caring for his mother, who is confined to a wheelchair, which added a layer of complexity to his personal circumstances. The court heard that Walton had been battling depression following the discovery of his illegal activities, which involved more than 400 indecent images depicting children aged between six and ten years old.
Walton admitted that he had started viewing this grotesque material when he was just 16 years old. Despite the severity of his actions, he maintained that he did not possess any sexual interest towards children, a claim that the court scrutinized closely. During the proceedings, Deputy Circuit Judge Patrick Eccles QC expressed frustration over Walton's refusal to explain why he had downloaded the images onto his laptop and mobile phone, which the police had seized during their investigation.
Following the police search in January, Walton was immediately identified by himself when officers arrived at his home. His Sony laptop and Samsung Galaxy phone were confiscated as evidence. Subsequently, Walton was taken to Abingdon Police Station, where he confessed to downloading and sharing the illicit images. The court was informed that Walton had no prior criminal convictions, which was considered during sentencing.
In addition to the possession and sharing of indecent images, Walton was ordered to pay costs amounting to £475 and a victim surcharge. The court also imposed a series of penalties aimed at preventing future offenses, including a three-year community order, a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a sexual harm prevention order, 100 hours of unpaid community work, and participation in a 30-day internet sex offenders treatment program.
Prosecutor Cathy Olliver outlined the details of the case, emphasizing Walton's immediate cooperation with police and his remorsefulness. Walton faced four charges in total: three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing prohibited images of a child, with the offenses spanning from June 16, 2014, to January 1, 2016. The court's decision reflects the gravity of his actions and the ongoing concern over online exploitation and abuse.