PHILIP WALKER FROM BRIDGWATER SHAMES TEACHING PROFESSION IN SOMERSET WITH SEX OFFENCES AT BRIDGWATER AND BEYOND

In November 2011, the case of Philip Walker, a former deputy head teacher from Somerset, drew significant attention due to his conviction for a series of serious sexual offences committed over a span of nearly two decades. Walker, aged 61 and residing in Cannington, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, a sentence that was later reduced to three years upon appeal, after the court acknowledged his battle with cancer.

The Bristol Crown Court heard harrowing details of Walker’s misconduct, which involved abusing pupils at two Somerset schools: the boys-only agricultural Brymore School, where he served as deputy head, and Heathfield School in Taunton. The offences took place between 1978 and 1996, with some allegations dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, and others extending into the mid-1990s.

Despite complaints from pupils, Walker’s misconduct was reportedly covered up by school authorities. The court was told that although students reported his inappropriate behaviour, the headteachers at the schools chose to dismiss these reports as mere rumours or 'silly girls' stories, effectively allowing Walker to continue his abuse unchecked. The court heard that the schools’ management, and even some parents, were misled or deliberately kept in the dark about the extent of Walker’s misconduct.

Walker’s inappropriate actions included using his role as a PE and drama teacher to get close to students. He would encourage girls to jump on trampolines so he could see their underwear, and he exploited drama role-play activities to indecently touch pupils. Court testimony detailed how he would manipulate girls by pinging their bra straps, running his hands down their bottoms, and touching their legs and breasts. Walker was also known to enter girls’ changing rooms after PE lessons under the pretext of speaking to other sports teachers, further breaching trust and boundaries.

The prosecution, led by Kerry Barker, described Walker’s behaviour as an insidious form of grooming and a blatant breach of trust. Pupils reportedly referred to him as a 'perv', 'pervy Walker', and 'touchy feely Walker'. Several girls approached the headmaster with concerns, but they were dismissed, and the pupils were told to stop 'spreading nasty rumours'. The court was told that the schools’ management was fully aware of Walker’s misconduct on multiple occasions but chose to ignore or conceal the allegations, even informing parents that reporting such issues might not be in the best interest of the children.

Walker’s criminal activities came to light in 2010, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges. He pleaded guilty to 14 counts of indecent assault, which included 12 against girls between 1978 and 1988, and two against boys between 1994 and 1996. The victims ranged in age from under 13 to older pupils. Walker, who had retired from full-time teaching in 2004, had continued working as a supply teacher until 2008, despite battling bowel cancer, which he is now in remission from.

During the court proceedings, Walker maintained his innocence on 10 other counts of similar offences and denied three counts of sexual assault against boys from 2006 to 2008. These additional charges were ordered to lie on file, meaning they would not be pursued further.

Defence lawyer Paul Mason expressed remorse on behalf of Walker, emphasizing his client’s regret and remorse for his actions. Walker’s wife and sister, present in court, were visibly emotional as Judge David Ticehurst delivered the sentence. The judge condemned Walker as a 'disgrace to the teaching profession' and highlighted his unhealthy interest in children.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ticehurst described Walker as a 'dangerous and devious man' who had carefully constructed a lifestyle that enabled him to live a lie while abusing young children. The judge acknowledged the lasting impact on the victims, stating that the trauma would likely remain with them for the rest of their lives. Walker was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and was subject to a sexual offences prevention order, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the court’s stance on protecting the community from such offenders.