STEPHEN WALKER FINEDON MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE BOY IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

In October 2013, a man from Finedon was handed a prison sentence after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old boy. The individual, identified as Stephen Walker, aged 46, was brought before Northampton Crown Court where Judge Tayton QC presided over the case and delivered the sentence.

Walker, a father of three, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including sexual activity with a minor, five counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, and possession of an indecent photograph of a child. The incidents in question occurred on August 13, 2012, during an overnight stay at a flat where two teenage boys, both aged 15 at the time, were present. These boys are protected by legal restrictions that prevent their identities from being disclosed.

According to court reports, Walker provided alcohol to the teenagers, instructing them to 'help themselves,' which contributed to a relaxed and vulnerable environment. The two boys fell asleep on a sofa, with one dressed only in boxer shorts and the other fully clothed. The boy who was fully dressed awoke to find himself in just his underwear, which he found unusual but chose to ignore and go back to sleep. Later, he awoke to find himself face down on the floor, only wearing socks, with Walker on top of him, kissing his back.

Prosecutor Siward James-Moore described the disturbing behavior, stating, “He was rubbing his groin area up and down (the victim’s) leg and tried to put his hands between the boy’s legs to try to open them. The defendant then got up and sat on the sofa.”

Following these events, the teenage victim managed to leave the flat and flagged down a police vehicle, prompting immediate police intervention. Walker was subsequently arrested and charged with the offences.

In sentencing, Judge Tayton emphasized that there was no evidence of grooming or premeditation, suggesting that Walker took advantage of an opportunity that presented itself. She noted, “One of the boys asked you to let him come to the flat with a friend and had asked you to provide alcohol. There is no suggestion of grooming or premeditation – I approach this on the basis that you took an opportunity which presented itself.”

However, the judge highlighted the betrayal of trust involved, stating, “This was aggravated by the fact these two boys trusted you, because they felt able to go to sleep in your company. It is clear both these boys are affected by what happened that evening, and there are long-term effects. It’s clear their confidence has been undermined.”

Despite the serious nature of the offences, the court considered positive character references, including one from Walker’s wife, and took into account his family responsibilities, which included caring for sick relatives and his three children. The judge also referenced incidents of vandalism against Walker’s property, such as tyres being slashed and windows smashed while his family was asleep, describing these acts as “ill-advised vigilante action” that had caused additional suffering to his family.

In mitigation, it was revealed that Walker was intoxicated during the offences, and he expressed feelings of shame, stating that he feels ‘sick to his stomach’ when recalling that night. As part of his sentence, Walker was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and to adhere to the conditions set out in a sexual offences prevention order. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from exploitation and harm.