BRIAN WALMSLEY FROM HASLINGDEN JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN BURNLEY AND ROSSENDALE

In a series of disturbing criminal cases, Brian Walmsley, a resident of Helmshore Road in Haslingden, has been convicted and sentenced for multiple sexual offenses spanning over three decades. The gravity of his crimes has shocked the local community and brought to light the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals.

Walmsley's criminal history was brought to public attention after a recent trial at Burnley Crown Court, where he was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault that occurred approximately 30 years ago. The court heard that these offenses, which had remained unreported for many years, only came to light after his victim discovered his face on the front page of the Free Press in 2013. This exposure was linked to Walmsley's earlier conviction for separate sexual offenses, which had resulted in a jail sentence two years prior.

The prosecution, led by Ian Metcalfe, detailed how Walmsley's latest conviction was connected to crimes committed during the 1980s. The court was informed that at the time of the original offenses, police were not notified because the victim's mother believed she was too young to handle the legal process or to confront the authorities. It was only through a chance encounter in July 2013 that the victim, now an adult, came across an article about Walmsley in the Rossendale Free Press. This discovery prompted her to report the crimes to the police, initiating a formal investigation that eventually led to his conviction.

A victim impact statement, read aloud in court by Mr. Metcalfe, conveyed the lasting emotional scars inflicted by Walmsley's actions. The statement highlighted how the crimes, committed over three decades ago, continued to affect her mental health and sense of well-being. The court heard that her suffering was compounded by the delay in reporting, which allowed Walmsley's actions to remain unpunished for many years.

In his defense, lawyer Robert Elias presented a different perspective, emphasizing the support Walmsley had from friends, family, and fellow Rotarians. He pointed out that Walmsley, a respected member of the community, was regarded as a good grandfather and father despite his convictions. Elias acknowledged the jury's verdict but expressed sympathy for Walmsley's situation, stating that his world had been turned upside down by the legal proceedings and the publicity surrounding his case. He also noted the shame and fear that now haunted him.

Judge Andrew Woolman addressed the court, acknowledging the profound impact Walmsley's actions had on his victim. The judge stated that the victim had been 'badly affected' and that Walmsley's crimes had robbed her of a part of her childhood. Despite the numerous positive references to Walmsley's character, the judge emphasized that his actions could not be overlooked and that justice required a significant penalty.

In a separate incident in November 2013, Walmsley, then aged 71, was sentenced to eight months in prison for sexually assaulting a vulnerable teenage girl. The court heard how the assault left the victim in shock, feeling sick, and struggling to speak about what had happened. The incident was described as 'protracted and premeditated,' with a devastating effect on the young victim. Walmsley's admission to two counts of sexual assault and an additional sexual offense led to his being ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.

Prosecutor David Macro revealed that Walmsley was intoxicated during the offenses, which further compounded the trauma experienced by the victim. The court was told that the girl tried to push him away but was unable to speak clearly afterward. Defense lawyer Robert Elias argued that Walmsley, who had no prior convictions, was a 'broken man' overwhelmed by guilt and remorse. He stressed that Walmsley was not a pedophile but had made a catastrophic mistake that he would have to live with for the rest of his life.

Throughout the proceedings, Walmsley's wife, a former magistrate, stood by his side, providing emotional support. Elias highlighted Walmsley's unblemished life prior to these incidents and his current state of depression and shame. The judge, Recorder Andrew Edis, QC, acknowledged Walmsley's otherwise distinguished life but emphasized that his actions had caused significant harm, particularly to the young girl involved. The court ultimately sentenced Walmsley to immediate custody, citing the seriousness of the offenses and their premeditated nature, albeit influenced by alcohol.

Judge Edis concluded by noting that while Walmsley's case was an isolated incident, the impact on the victims was profound. He underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the offender's previous reputation or standing in the community.