VINCENT WALKER

Vincent Walker requested permission to appear via video link from prison for his upcoming sentencing hearing on multiple charges.

However, Judge Richard Archer mandated that Walker return to Preston court in person once the case is concluded in November.

On August 19, the 71-year-old appeared in court and was jeered from the public gallery as his case was adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

When his legal representative requested that the sentencing scheduled for November 28 occur remotely, a parent in the courtroom responded with a shouted comment: “Shocking.” Walker, of Rawson Street, Burnley, faces nine charges, including engaging in sexual activity with children as young as 13, assaulting children under 13 through touching, and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order issued in a previous court case.

Families of the victims had gathered in court expecting to hear sentencing this week, but Judge Archer decided to postpone proceedings after being informed of Walker’s recent admissions of numerous other offences which needed consideration.

Prosecutor Richard Haworth explained that relatives who traveled from East Lancashire were disappointed that no immediate sentencing took place.

Walker had pleaded guilty to the nine charges at Burnley Crown Court in April, with the case then delayed to prepare for sentencing.

Later, in July, he admitted additional offences at Blackburn Magistrates Court.

An administrative mistake meant these new charges were not ready to proceed alongside existing ones at Preston Crown Court.

Haworth noted that a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service was still outstanding for the judge to review.

He also expressed uncertainty about the details of the additional allegations, including the presence of children in Walker’s home or any inducements offered.

The judge ordered an investigation into what caused the delay and suggested the Crown Prosecution Service might need to issue an apology to the victims’ families, considering the emotions involved.

Addressing the public gallery, Judge Archer said the case's delay was understandable but regrettable, emphasizing the necessity of proper proceedings.

Walker was ordered to remain in custody and appear in person in November, with a full pre-sentence report and restrictions on contact with victims to be implemented.