Blackpool man given 28-year prison sentence for sex assaults

Thursday, September 26, 2024

This is Gareth Walton. 

The Blackpool man is this week beginning a 28-year prison sentence for sex assaults against two young women.

Walton, 44, was found guilty by a jury after a trial at Preston Crown Court in July of 19 sexual offences.

He had been arrested in January after the offences were reported to police.

When Walton appeared for sentence last Friday (20^th September), the judge passed a 28-year sentence – he must serve two-thirds of that sentence before he can apply for parole.

Walton, of no fixed address, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ registration for life and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Det Sgt Cherie Hall of Blackpool Police, said: “Walton committed these deplorable offences against two vulnerable victims.

“Both of them showed great courage and bravery to report these offences and then to give evidence at the trial.

“I welcome the long prison sentence passed on Walton and it shows how seriously the judge viewed the offences committed.

“If you have been a victim of sexual offences, please come forward to report them so that the police can investigate and help bring offenders to justice.”