LUKE WELDON FROM BURY AND LITTLE HULTON SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WALKDEN

In a disturbing incident that unfolded in the streets of Walkden, a pub worker named Luke Weldon, aged 21, was found guilty of stalking and sexually assaulting a young girl. The events took place in April of this year, around 4 pm, and have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.

According to court proceedings, Weldon was observed driving his silver vehicle slowly through the streets of Walkden, following two young girls as they made their way through the area. The Manchester Crown Court heard that the girls, frightened by his persistent following, decided to seek refuge by entering a nearby alleyway to avoid him. However, their attempt to escape was thwarted when Weldon, who was familiar with the area, circled around in his car and quickly exited to block their path.

Prosecutor Charlotte Crangle detailed the harrowing sequence of events, explaining that Weldon managed to catch one of the girls and subjected her to a sexual assault. During this assault, the girl screamed loudly, pleading with him to stop and telling him to go away. She later recounted to police that the assault lasted approximately four to five seconds before Weldon released her and fled the scene. The girl sustained cuts on her knees from glass and gravel on the path where the attack occurred.

Her friend, witnessing the assault, ran away in a panic to seek help. The victims' distress was palpable, with both girls becoming hysterical as they recounted the incident to their parents. The girls' parents later provided personal statements to the court, describing how the traumatic experience has severely affected their daughters’ confidence and sense of safety. Both girls now feel scared to go out alone, and their lives have been profoundly altered by the attack.

Authorities were able to identify and trace Weldon through CCTV footage from the area, which captured his car registration details. Weldon, who resides at Bellin Court, Bury, and previously lived in Little Hulton, was charged and pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault on a child under 13.

During the sentencing, Judge Mark Ainsworth acknowledged the severity of the crime, stating, “For most parents, this is the nightmare scenario.” He emphasized that despite the physical injuries, such as cuts and bruises, the psychological and emotional scars inflicted on the young victims would likely persist for years to come. The judge highlighted the profound and lasting impact this incident has had on the girls’ lives.

Weldon was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with a sexual harm prevention order for the next ten years, aimed at safeguarding the community and preventing any future offenses.