PETER WALKER BUCKSBURN SEX OFFENDER FACES PROBATION AFTER DECADES-LONG ABUSE CASES IN ABERDEEN AND LOCKERBIE

In a case that has spanned over two decades, Peter Walker, a 60-year-old man from Crossgates, Bucksburn, was brought before Aberdeen Sheriff Court to face charges related to serious sexual offenses committed against two young girls. The proceedings revealed a complex history of allegations dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, involving incidents in both Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, and Aberdeen.

Walker had previously admitted to three charges of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior, which occurred in a caravan in Lockerbie between 1976 and 1979, as well as in a residence in Dyce, Aberdeen, in 1983. These incidents involved touching and inappropriate conduct towards the victims, who at the time were young girls. Notably, the victims, now fully grown adults, expressed that their primary aim was for Walker to acknowledge the wrongfulness of his actions rather than seek retribution.

During the court hearing, Sheriff Patrick Davies noted that Walker had demonstrated some insight into his offending behavior, which influenced the decision to place him on an 18-month probation. As part of the conditions, Walker was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service. The sheriff emphasized that Walker's apparent remorse and understanding of his past actions played a significant role in the leniency of the sentence.

However, the case was not without complications. In January 2003, the court faced issues with the social inquiry report that was crucial for sentencing. The report, which was supposed to provide background on Walker, was found to be flawed due to misinformation provided to the social worker. The social worker had misunderstood the charges Walker had admitted to, believing he was convicted of five charges rather than three. This miscommunication led to the social worker's report being incomplete and potentially prejudicial.

Defense solicitor Lynne Bentley explained that Walker had refused to admit guilt to three other charges during an interview, which further complicated the report's accuracy. The court was informed that Walker was not prepared to discuss allegations he had denied, and this stance contributed to the issues with the social inquiry.

In light of these problems, Sheriff Davies ordered a new social inquiry report and deferred sentencing until February 6, 2003, to allow for its completion. The sheriff acknowledged that the errors in the initial report could have prejudiced the case and decided that a fresh assessment was necessary to ensure a fair sentencing process.

Overall, the case highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the complexities involved in prosecuting such cases, especially when victims are now adults and the evidence spans many years. Walker's case remains under review as authorities seek to ensure justice is appropriately served, with the court emphasizing the importance of accurate background information in determining suitable penalties.