STEPHEN WALKER PLYMOUTH RAPIST SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN PRISON
In a case that has shocked the community of Plymouth, Stephen Walker, a man with no prior convictions, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of multiple heinous crimes involving a young girl.The trial, which took place at Plymouth Crown Court, lasted for eight days and culminated in a jury verdict that confirmed Walker's guilt on several serious charges.
Walker, aged 52 and residing on Elgin Crescent in Crownhill, faced a total of twelve charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor.
These charges included three counts of raping a girl under the age of 13, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13.
Additionally, the jury found him guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child, with a majority verdict of 11-1.
However, the jury was unable to reach a consensus on four other charges, which the judge ordered to be left on file, as the Crown indicated it would not pursue a retrial on those counts.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution, represented by Kelly Scrivener and Julia Cox, presented evidence that Walker had repeatedly subjected the same young victim to sexual abuse over an extended period.
The details of the abuse were described as both disturbing and relentless, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that caused significant harm to the victim.
Walker’s defense attorney, Ali Rafati, emphasized that his client had no previous convictions and was not considered a danger based on his criminal history, which was non-existent prior to this case.
Rafati also remarked that Walker, who was dressed in a black leather biker’s jacket and jeans during the proceedings, would be experiencing his first taste of incarceration.
As the verdicts were announced, Walker, who sports a ponytail, showed visible signs of displeasure.
He folded his arms and scowled, displaying his discontent with the outcome.
The judge, Judge Paul Darlow, responded by imposing a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect until further notice.
Furthermore, Walker was ordered to be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Darlow described Walker’s actions as repeated rapes and sexual abuse of the same young girl, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses.
He stated, “You cannot claim the credit you would have had if you had pleaded guilty and spared (the girl) the ordeal of giving evidence and waiting for the trial.” The judge also made it clear that no psychiatric or other pre-sentence report was deemed necessary, and he sentenced Walker to a total of 17 years in prison, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for public protection.
