PETER WALTON-WHITELOCK OTTERY ST MARY AND EXMOUTH PAEDOPHILE CAUGHT HIDING WITH RUNAWAY BOY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Ottery St Mary and Exmouth, authorities have uncovered a troubling incident involving the known sex offender Peter Walton-Whitelock. The investigation, which has been ongoing for some time, revealed that Walton-Whitelock, a convicted paedophile, had been involved in activities that exploited vulnerable children, including the use of drugs to lure them into his residence.

In June 2012, law enforcement officials responded to a distressing report involving a 13-year-old boy who had run away from home. The boy was discovered hiding inside the wardrobe of a sheltered accommodation facility in Exmouth, where Walton-Whitelock was residing. The police found the young boy apparently under the influence of drugs, raising serious concerns about his safety and the nature of his interactions with Walton-Whitelock.

Walton-Whitelock, aged 72 at the time, was living at Albion Court in Exmouth. During questioning, he claimed that the boy had been brought to his flat by a lodger and that he had only just woken up to find the boy there when the police arrived. This explanation did little to mitigate the severity of the situation, given Walton-Whitelock’s known criminal history.

The convicted sex offender has a long and troubling past. He was previously sentenced to seven years in prison in 1992 and an additional three years in 2005 for offences committed against both boys and girls. His criminal record is extensive, and he had been recalled to jail due to an extended licence period imposed in 2005. Despite his age and health issues, Walton-Whitelock’s activities continue to pose a significant threat to the safety of children in the area.

Recently, Walton-Whitelock appeared via video link from the hospital wing of Exeter Prison, where he is currently receiving treatment for heart and breathing problems. His appearance in court was to face charges related to breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). Judge Phillip Wassall sentenced him to two months in jail for this breach, emphasizing the ongoing risk he poses.

Prosecutor Richard Crabb highlighted Walton-Whitelock’s criminal history, noting that he had been convicted of multiple offences against minors over the years. Defense attorney Warren Robinson stated that Walton-Whitelock was seriously ill and receiving palliative care, expressing doubt about his recovery prospects.

Earlier, in June 2005, Walton-Whitelock was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of molesting a 16-year-old boy. The court also imposed a lifetime ban on any unsupervised contact with children. This sentencing followed a trial in which Walton-Whitelock denied the allegations but was convicted in his absence after he went on the run on the first day of proceedings, fearing that his previous convictions would be disclosed to the jury.

Back in April 2005, police issued a warrant for Walton-Whitelock’s arrest after he failed to appear for his trial at Exeter Crown Court. He had been charged with indecently assaulting a 16-year-old boy and had jumped bail during the proceedings, which were to include details of his past convictions. His disappearance prompted a police manhunt, underscoring the ongoing danger he represented to the community.

Authorities continue to monitor Walton-Whitelock’s case closely, given his history and recent activities. The incidents in Ottery St Mary and Exmouth serve as stark reminders of the importance of vigilance and the need for ongoing efforts to protect children from known predators like Peter Walton-Whitelock.