MAN JAILED FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL
A man responsible for abusing a young girl and recording his heinous acts has received a prison sentence exceeding twenty years.Phillip Wallbank started abusing the girl when she was only 8 years old, continuing the misconduct over several years until she courageously disclosed the abuse to school staff, prompting a police investigation.
In a police interrogation, Wallbank, residing on Quebec Avenue in Blackpool, submitted a detailed, prepared statement denying all the claims and describing the victim as ‘untrustworthy and vindictive’.
Later, he was questioned—though he chose not to comment—about illegal material involving sexual abuse that was found on his phone after it was confiscated by authorities.
The seized device contained more than a thousand images and one video classified as Category C, 15 images and one video classified as Category B, and four images categorized as Category A.
Wallbank was charged with multiple sexual offenses; he initially denied the allegations but later pleaded guilty in August to all charges, which included: - Engaging in sexual acts in front of a child under 13 - Assaulting a girl under 13 through touching (twice) - Raping a girl under 13 (twice) - Penetrative assault on a girl under 13 (three times) - Producing indecent images of a child (three counts).
In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the girl explained that Wallbank’s abuse had caused ruptures within her family, as some of them did not believe her when she told them of the abuse: “I’m left feeling very angry and alone because they wouldn’t believe me and thought I was lying.” The statement goes on to tell of the lasting damage that Wallbank has inflicted: “Because of what he did, I have nightmares almost every night.
“I wake up shaking and frightened.
Flashbacks can happen at any time.
They make me feel sick and like it’s happening all over again.
“Sometimes I cut the skin on my arms to stop the bad thoughts in my head.
“I feel different from other kids, I feel worthless, like I am not good enough.
“He stole my childhood, and the hurt he caused me is still with me every single day” A judge handed Wallbank a 25-and-half-year prison term during a sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court on 27 October.
The term comprises 19-and-a-half years imprisonment plus a six-year extended licence period due to danger and risk he poses to the public.
The judge also placed Wallbank on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable Trev Allt, officer in the case, said: “The courage shown by the victim in this case is deeply admirable.
“Despite the devastating impact Wallbank’s abuse has had on her life, she was able to trust and confide in staff at school and later police – which has allowed us to investigate and see this case through to conviction.
“The sentence handed by the judge reflects the severity of Wallbank’s crimes and the danger he poses to the public.
“Nothing can take away what Wallbank did to the victim, but it is my hope that she can now begin to move forward and rebuild her life knowing that he is behind bars and has been held publicly accountable for his crimes.”
