COUPLE DAVID AND VALERIE WALSH FROM BURNAGE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN MANCHESTER

In April 2010, David Walsh, aged 57, and his wife Valerie Walsh, aged 46, residents of Parrs Wood Road, Burnage, were sentenced to prison for a 17-year period of child abuse. The couple subjected four children—three girls and one boy—to severe physical and emotional torment, including physical assaults and torture during what was described as sex-fueled beatings.

David Walsh was responsible for multiple attacks on the children, with Valerie actively encouraging him during the prolonged period of abuse. The victims endured beatings, gagging, and scalding with cutlery that had been left in boiling water. Their suffering began in 1980 and continued until 1997, only being uncovered after one of the victims reported the abuse to the police in March of the previous year.

At Manchester Crown Court, David Walsh was convicted on four charges of child cruelty, twelve counts of assault, and two charges of indecent assault. He was sentenced to ten years in prison. Valerie Walsh pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty, three assaults, and one indecent assault, receiving a seven-year sentence.

Both individuals from Burnage have been registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and have been prohibited from working with children. Judge Jonathan Geake addressed the court, stating, "The victims in this case suffered terrible abuse at your hands."