STOKE PAEDOPHILE ANTHONY WALKER CAUGHT FILMING SCHOOLGIRLS WITH SECRET CAMERAS IN CHESHIRE

In April 2014, Anthony Walker, a man from Stoke, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing criminal activities involving the exploitation and illegal filming of young girls. Walker, aged 53, engaged in covert operations that included traveling to Cheshire to secretly film schoolgirls and young performers in dance troupes, capturing footage up their skirts and in their school uniforms without their knowledge or consent.

The investigation into Walker’s activities revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that extended beyond simple voyeurism. He also established a personal website where individuals expressed interest in themes of corporal punishment and the spanking of children. This platform served as a hub for sharing and distributing illicit images, further highlighting the extent of his involvement in child exploitation.

Walker’s criminal activities came to light when police executed a search warrant at his residence located at The Villas in Stoke on December 30, 2011. During the search, authorities uncovered a significant collection of indecent images and videos stored on his computers and mobile devices. Prosecutor Hugh O’Brien-Quinn detailed the findings, stating that police discovered a total of 1,573 images classified at level one, 22 at level two, 53 at level three, 86 at level four, and 47 at level five. Additionally, there were 60 moving images at level one, 27 at level two, five at level three, 96 at level four, and 26 at level five. These classifications indicate varying degrees of indecency and severity.

Further investigation revealed that Walker had set up a website called Grey School Shorts, which did not contain illegal images but served as a network for individuals with similar interests. Evidence showed that Walker exchanged images with others through a sharing system, indicating active participation in a community centered around these disturbing themes. He admitted to involvement in these activities for approximately nine years.

The police also found covertly filmed footage on Walker’s devices, capturing girls in school uniforms and shots taken up their skirts without their knowledge. These recordings underscored the predatory nature of his actions. Walker, who resided on Chamberlain Avenue in Stoke, pleaded guilty to 26 charges of making indecent images of children, distributing such images, and committing acts outraging public decency.

During the court proceedings, Sarah Buckingham, representing Walker, described him as a “simple, timid little man doing what he can without much assistance,” suggesting he was in need of help rather than punishment. However, Judge David Fletcher emphasized the seriousness of Walker’s crimes, stating, “These were real people who were exploited.”

As part of his sentence, Walker was sentenced to 32 months in prison. He was also subjected to a sexual offences prevention order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

Superintendent Mark Dean of Staffordshire Police’s protecting vulnerable people department expressed his support for the sentence, stating, “We welcome the sentence and hope it goes some way to reassuring the public that we are committed to protecting those who are the most vulnerable. The protection and care of vulnerable young people is a top priority for us.”