CHRISTOPHER WALTON CAUGHT IN TANG HALL POLICE STING AT YORK SUPERMARKET

In March 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in York when law enforcement officers successfully conducted an undercover operation targeting online predators. The operation culminated in the arrest of Christopher George Walton, a 33-year-old man from Tang Hall, who was found engaging in illicit activities aimed at a minor.

Walton was apprehended at a local supermarket, specifically a Lidl store, after he had been lured there by a police-initiated social media profile. He was discovered sitting inside a Berlingo van, which had its rear seats removed, revealing a large quantity of condoms and other items that could be used in sexual activities. Prosecutor Paul Newcombe described Walton’s behavior as suspicious and indicative of intent, noting that he was waiting to meet a supposed 13-year-old boy named “Noah.”

According to the evidence presented, Walton had been communicating with this fictitious minor via Grindr, a social media platform restricted to adults. The profile was created as part of a police sting operation, and Walton believed he was about to meet a young boy at the designated time of 4 pm on January 14. However, law enforcement officers were already in position, ready to intervene. Just fifteen minutes before the scheduled meeting, police officers moved in and arrested Walton.

During his arrest, Walton was visibly shaken and reportedly admitted to knowing he was caught, saying, “I knew it.” He was taken into custody and subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of attempting to incite a child into sexual activity and one count of attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming.

Walton’s residence on Ingleborough Avenue in Tang Hall was also part of the investigation, as police uncovered evidence of his intentions. The prosecution revealed that Walton had engaged in early January conversations with “Noah,” during which he was told that the boy was “nearly 13” and attending school. Walton was the first to introduce sexual content into their exchanges and repeatedly asked “Noah” to send him explicit pictures, although the boy did not comply.

Further details indicated Walton’s attempts to justify his actions. Keith Allen, representing Walton, stated that Walton had claimed to be too “skint” to buy fast food like McDonald’s and that their planned drive would be limited due to a lack of fuel. It was also noted that Walton had failed to contact “Noah” on two occasions, only to resume communication after a period of silence from the boy.

At the time of the offences, Walton was suffering from depression but was not on medication. Following his arrest, he sought medical help and was prescribed anti-depressants. The court heard that police might have used a false date of birth in the Grindr profile, as the app is restricted to adult users, which raises questions about the methods used during the operation.

Judge Keith Allen sentenced Walton to three years in prison. Additionally, Walton was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. This order restricts his contact with boys under 16 and limits his use of the internet and electronic devices, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect potential victims.