ROBERT WALTON SENTENCED IN NEWBRIDGE FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN IN THE 1960S

In a case that has spanned decades, Robert Walton, a 68-year-old man from Central Avenue, Pantside, Newbridge, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of two young girls under the age of 10 during the 1960s and early 1970s. The crimes, which took place when Walton was in his mid-20s, involved one girl being subjected to a single incident of abuse, while the other girl endured a prolonged period of victimization over two years.

Walton faced charges at Cardiff Crown Court, where he was accused of two counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. Despite his vehement denial of all allegations, a jury found him guilty after a trial. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the offenses, which occurred several decades ago, yet only recently came to light.

Prosecutor Jeremy Jenkins highlighted the emotional toll on the victims, noting that their impact statements expressed feelings of anxiety and stress both during the trial and in the aftermath. Jenkins emphasized that the victims shared how these traumatic experiences had adversely affected their married lives and ongoing well-being.

During the hearing, Walton’s defense attorney, David Elias, brought attention to the defendant’s health issues, specifically a serious heart condition. It was disclosed that Walton was hospitalized on the recent bank holiday Monday following a suspected heart attack while in prison. Elias mentioned that Walton’s cardiologist estimated his life expectancy to be around 80% over the next five to ten years, raising concerns about his health.

It was also noted that Walton has no prior criminal convictions, which was considered during sentencing. However, the seriousness of the crimes led the court to impose a significant penalty. Recorder Peter Rouch QC stated that although Walton’s health issues were acknowledged, they did not warrant a lesser sentence, and the gravity of the offenses necessitated immediate imprisonment.

Judge Rouch sentenced Walton to a total of four years in prison, comprising three years for the indecent assault, to run concurrently with a 12-month sentence for indecency with a child, and an additional 12 months for indecent assault. Walton has already registered as a sex offender as part of the court’s ruling.

Following his sentencing, Walton has been released from custody, but the legal restrictions and his registration as a sex offender remain in effect, serving as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of his crimes and the justice served in this case.