In 2024, the Offender Database reported that Edward Walker, then 30, of Faccombe, Hampshire, was sentenced for “vile” sexual offences committed against two young brothers while he acted as their babysitter. Walker appeared at Truro Crown Court on Tuesday, 30 April 2019, having pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to four counts of indecently touching a boy under 13.
The investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police revealed that the “vicious” abuse took place in Mullion on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, between 2005 and 2008, when Walker was aged 16 to 19. The victims were aged between seven and eight at the time. The prosecution emphasised that Walker “callously” used his position of trust to isolate the boys, forcing them to engage in sexual acts and “systematically” instructing them to keep the abuse a secret.
Impact on the Survivors and Family
The court heard horrendous victim impact statements from the two brothers, now young adults. One survivor reported that the trauma led to his discharge from the Royal Navy due to anxiety and shame, stating, “I am still struggling with what happened.” His older brother emphasised that he had suppressed the “creepy” memories for years until they came “flooding back” upon learning his brother had also been targeted.
Their mother provided a “heart-wrenching” testimony from the witness box, stating that Walker “robbed them of their childhood.” She reported that her sons suffered from night terrors and sudden changes in behaviour that only made sense once the “vile” truth was revealed years later.
Sentencing and Monitoring
Judge Robert Linford emphasised that Walker had abused a significant position of trust and that his actions had a “profound effect” on the family. Walker was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. As part of a two-year community order, he was ordered to complete the Horizon sex offender rehabilitation programme.
As a result of his conviction for child sex offences, Edward Walker was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Hampshire Constabulary and Devon and Cornwall Police. This ensures his behaviour in Faccombe and Mullion is strictly monitored. Any attempt to contact the survivors or breach the terms of his community order will result in his immediate arrest and the activation of his prison sentence.
DANGER
Edward Walker is now living in Truro, working nearby. He is a member of a local Foxhunt group, which is not surprising, as there is a direct correlation between animal abusers and child abusers.
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