SEAN WALTON FROM NEWCHAPEL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Sean Walton, a man formerly residing in Newchapel, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a young boy. The incident took place in Stoke-on-Trent, where Walton was found guilty of multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor.

Walton, aged 27 at the time of sentencing, had groomed his young victim, who was between six and eight years old, in a calculated and predatory manner. Court proceedings revealed that Walton had shown the child pornographic DVDs, an act that was part of his grooming process designed to desensitize and manipulate the young boy. The court heard that Walton's abuse extended beyond mere exposure; he engaged in sexual touching of the child and encouraged the boy to touch him inappropriately, escalating to the point of rape.

The court was informed that the young victim began exhibiting troubling behaviors, mimicking the sexual acts he had seen on the videos. The child's distress was so severe that a witness described him as “the most traumatised child she had ever come across.” The trauma was evident, and the child's mental health deteriorated, leading him to lash out at others and question his own sexuality. The abuse was reported in February of the previous year, and the child's suffering was laid bare during the trial.

Walton denied all charges, which included rape of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and causing a child to watch a sex act. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty on all counts after a trial. The court heard that Walton's actions involved grooming behavior, and there was evidence suggesting he used drugs or alcohol to facilitate his offending. His targeting of a vulnerable child was described as calculated and predatory.

Judge David Fletcher sentenced Walton to 15 years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The judge also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated that Walton be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. Walton will be required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence, amounting to 10 years, before he can be considered for parole. Additionally, his license period will be extended by one year to ensure ongoing supervision and monitoring.

Walton's case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators like him. The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are treated and the commitment to protecting children from further harm.