Billingham paedophile jailed for abusing teenage girl

Terence Walters, a paedophile from Billingham, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of abusing a teenage girl. Walters took advantage of the girl opportunistically, using a massage device on her despite her pleas for him to stop. During the court case, the girl testified that last year he massaged her back and leg, and showed her a nude photograph of his ex-partner while inquiring about her underwear. He also partially undressed her and continued the abuse even when she protested, leaving her shocked. Following the offences, Walters gave her cash and vapes as gifts. The girl’s mother spoke about the damaging effect of the abuse, saying it has 'destroyed' their family and left her daughter 'scared,' leading to self-harm attempts. Walters, who is 53 years old, denied the allegations but was found guilty by a jury of multiple charges including sexual activity with a child, three counts of sexual assault, and sexual communications with a minor. Though he argued that his views are distorted and that he has no relevant previous convictions, the judge maintained that only a custodial sentence was appropriate. Walters will serve at least two-thirds of his 13-year term before potential early release on licence and will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The court highlighted the gravity of his actions and the significant risk he poses to children.