MARTIN WALKER CAUGHT IN HAVERHILL BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS AFTER TRAVELING 180 MILES FROM SUFFOLK

In a striking case that highlights the dangers of online grooming and vigilant community efforts, Martin Walker, a 71-year-old man from Haverhill, was caught by paedophile hunters after traveling approximately 180 miles from his home in Suffolk to meet a supposed underage girl. The incident unfolded on May 6, 2018, when Walker arrived at a hotel near Bradford, having booked a room under a false name. His vehicle, a Vauxhall Astra, was found with an unopened box of condoms in the glove compartment, raising suspicions about his intentions.

Walker’s actions came to light when he was confronted by the group known as 'Catching Online Predators.' The group had set up a sting operation, and Walker was met in the hotel car park. During the encounter, it was revealed that Walker had been engaging in online conversations with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl on Facebook. Prosecutor Stephen Mather explained that Walker had requested to be added as a friend to the girl’s account, which was actually operated by the group.

As their chat progressed, the conversation took a sexual turn. Walker sent explicit images, including a photo of his penis, and made arrangements to meet the girl in person. He discussed booking a hotel, bringing condoms, and even asked if she liked wine, indicating his intent to engage in sexual activity. The group documented the exchange through a live stream, capturing Walker’s increasingly aggressive behavior.

During the confrontation, which was broadcast live from Haverhill, Walker became verbally abusive. He threatened to physically assault the members of the group, stating he would “knock seven bells” out of them and return with a shotgun to “wipe them out.” Despite his aggressive threats, Walker claimed he was only there to warn the girl about her behavior and said he intended to buy her a gift. He also stated he thought he was being “reeled in” and decided to “play a game” with the group, revealing a disturbing attitude towards the situation.

Walker’s actions and threats led to his appearance before magistrates in November, where he admitted to attempting to meet a child following grooming, attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, and attempting to communicate sexually with a child. The case was later brought before Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing.

During the sentencing hearing, Recorder Heather Rogers QC sentenced Walker to 14 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. The court also imposed a requirement for up to 35 hours of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, Walker was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order and to register as a sex offender for the next ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.