ANDREW WALTON'S JAIL SENTENCE REDUCTION IN NARBOROUGH SPARKS OUTRAGE AND FURY

In a development that has sparked widespread anger and disbelief, Andrew James Walton, a convicted paedophile from Narborough, has successfully secured a reduction in his prison sentence, prompting outrage among the victim's family and the wider community. Walton, aged 40 and residing on Langham Drive in Narborough, was originally sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of committing 12 serious child sex offences during a trial held at Leicester Crown Court last year.

His conviction followed a detailed legal process in which the court heard evidence of his heinous crimes, which included acts of sexual assault, indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, and inciting a child to engage in sexual acts. Despite his initial denial of the charges, Walton later admitted guilt, confirming the severity of his actions.

Walton's crimes involved touching a young girl and performing a sex act in her presence, actions that have left deep scars on the victim and her family. The case drew significant media attention due to the nature of the offences and the impact on the young victim.

When Walton was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court last year, the presiding judge emphasized the danger he posed to the public, particularly to children. The judge explicitly stated that Walton must serve a minimum of six years before he could be considered for parole or early release, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes and the threat he represented.

However, last week, Walton's sentence was reduced by one year following an appeal at the Court of Appeal. This decision has been met with intense criticism from the victim's mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons. She expressed her profound outrage upon hearing the news, especially after learning that Walton had told a probation officer he believed that giving evidence in court was 'good' for his victim, as it would allow her to express her feelings about what had happened.

The mother stated, “We have to live with this for the rest of our lives. I am really infuriated that he has got a year off his sentence. He should have been given longer than six years. The fact he said the trial was good for her is outrageous. The three days of that trial were awful, unimaginable. He is a very devious and cunning man, and that comment shows the audacity he has. Surely, that should have made the judges realize he should not be let out early.”

The case has reignited debates about the justice system's handling of sex offenders and the criteria used to determine early release. Walton's case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by victims and their families in seeking justice and protection from repeat offenders.