WORTHING MAN THOMAS WALKER SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRL IN WORTHING

In a case that has shocked the community of Worthing, Thomas Walker, aged 22, of Orkney Court, was formally sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The sentencing took place at Brighton Crown Court on Tuesday, January 13, with Walker appearing on bail prior to the verdict.

Walker’s conviction stems from a trial held last July, during which he was proven to have committed five separate offenses against the girl, who was only 6 years old at the time of the incidents. The charges included one count of rape, two counts of sexual assault, one count of indecent assault, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. As part of his sentence, Walker will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years once he is released from custody.

It was revealed that Walker, who was between 11 and 12 years old at the time of the offenses, committed the initial act of rape during a game of hide-and-seek at a residence in Worthing. Following this, he continued to sexually abuse the girl on multiple occasions over a span of several years. The abuse was not limited to a single incident but was a recurring pattern that persisted over a lengthy period, causing significant trauma to the victim.

The victim, whose identity remains protected by law to preserve her privacy, is not related to Walker. She recounted that she was subjected to sexual abuse by Walker on various occasions over approximately five or six years. However, she admitted that her memory of all the incidents was not entirely clear. She also disclosed that she had been abused by other boys during that time.

Her awareness of the wrongfulness of Walker’s actions grew after she received sexual education lessons at school. It was only in 2012 that she confided in her mother about the abuse, feeling “angry” for not having spoken out sooner. Her courage in finally revealing her ordeal was praised during the court proceedings.

Prosecutor Kris Berlevy emphasized the victim’s bravery, stating, “She had the courage – because that is what it must have been – she had the courage to say the truth and then come here and say it again.”

Following her disclosure, her mother contacted the police, leading to Walker’s arrest and subsequent trial. Detective Constable Sarah Lovett commented on the case, saying, “The young girl suffered the effects of Walker’s offending, directly and indirectly, for several years, but we are glad to have been able to help bring him to justice now. We particularly admired the dignified and courageous way in which the victim faced the task of giving evidence and facing cross-examination during Walker’s trial.”