ANDREW WILKIE FROM BUCKLEY SENTENCED IN NORTH WALES FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING CHILDREN

In July 2022, a former primary school headteacher from Buckley, North Wales, was sentenced to prison after being convicted of serious sexual offences involving a minor. The individual, Andrew Wilkie, appeared before Mold Crown Court to face charges related to his alleged misconduct. The court found him guilty of two specific charges: the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 and inciting or engaging children in sexual activities.

These disturbing acts reportedly occurred in multiple locations, including a swimming pool changing room, where Wilkie's misconduct took place. Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury reached a verdict in his trial by a majority of 11-1, confirming his guilt on both counts.

Following the conviction, the judge sentenced Wilkie to 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a 10-year notification requirement, which involves regular reporting to authorities regarding his whereabouts and activities. Wilkie was also mandated to pay court costs as part of his sentencing.

It is important to note that Wilkie's criminal history includes a previous jail term and being struck off from his professional role after he was found to have stolen £51,000 of school funding. This money was reportedly used to fund his gambling addiction. Wilkie has also claimed that his gambling problems were exacerbated by a series of other allegations of a sexual nature involving children, dating back to 2012.

His case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the charges and the impact on the community in Buckley and the wider North Wales area.