GALASHIELS SEX OFFENDER MATTHEW WALLEY CONVICTED OF CHILD ABUSE INVOLVING TWO SISTERS IN SCOTLAND

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Galashiels, a man named Matthew Walley has been found guilty of serious child abuse crimes that took place over two decades ago. The conviction was announced yesterday in the High Court in Edinburgh, bringing closure to a long-standing investigation into the disturbing incidents involving two young sisters during their holiday visits to the Scottish Borders.

Walley, aged 45 at the time of the trial, was a teenager when he began his abusive actions against the two girls. The victims, now adults, recounted their traumatic experiences during the court proceedings, shedding light on the extent of his misconduct. One of the victims, who is currently 37 and works as a midwife, testified that she vividly remembers Walley exposing himself to her and making a chilling remark: “you are not ready for that yet.” She explained that the abuse started when she was just six years old and continued until she reached eleven. Her account detailed how Walley’s initial acts of French kissing escalated into more invasive molestation, including coercing her into performing sexual acts during her holiday visits from England.

The second victim, now aged 34, also provided her testimony, revealing that Walley engaged in inappropriate conduct with her when she was between four and seven years old. She described how he French kissed her and made her touch him, recalling a specific memory of putting her hand into his pocket, which was torn so that her hand could go all the way through. These acts, she said, left a lasting impression on her, and she recounted feeling confused and frightened at the time.

Walley, who resides on Winston Road in Galashiels, denied the allegations of indecent behavior against both girls. He claimed that he had asked one of the girls “an inappropriate question,” which she then reported to others. He admitted to asking her, “Would you like to see it?” but insisted that he did not commit the acts he was accused of. Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty of all charges related to the abuse of both sisters. The court decided to defer sentencing to allow for a comprehensive background report to be prepared.

During the trial, prosecutors highlighted that Walley’s actions appeared to have become a routine part of his interactions with the older girl, with the abuse seemingly motivated by his own sexual gratification. The prosecutor, Richard Goddard, emphasized that Walley’s conduct was predatory and calculated, and that he had told the older girl he loved her during the abuse, which she later described as making her feel “special.”

Following the verdict, Walley was ordered to register as a sex offender, a decision made by Judge Lord Woolman. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Galashiels, raising awareness about the importance of protecting children from such predatory behavior and ensuring that justice is served for victims of abuse.