William Walker: Former DUP councillor who has address in Blackpool to be sentenced over sexual offences involving ‘children’

By Sean Gleaves
Published 16th May 2023, 17:58 BST
Updated 16th May 2023, 17:58 BST
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Former DUP councillor William Walker will be sentenced next month for two sexual offences involving ‘children’.

Last month, William Walker pleaded guilty to one charge of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between February 10 and 15, 2022.

The 60-year-old, originally from Killyleagh but now with an address in Blackpool, denied a second similar offence.

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On Thursday (May 11), Walker was back at Downpatrick Crown Court where he had the second charge – which he initially denied – put to him again.

William Walker was suspended from the DUP after his arrest in February (Credit: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council)William Walker was suspended from the DUP after his arrest in February (Credit: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council)
William Walker was suspended from the DUP after his arrest in February (Credit: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council)
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Walker was then charged with attempting to sexually communicate with a child on dates between February 10 and 23, 2022.

After the charge was put to him, Walker replied ‘guilty’.

Judge Geoffrey Miller KC noted that as Walker had now entered guilty pleas to both charges, a date for the plea hearing could be set.

A probation report will be compiled in England ahead of sentencing, which Judge Miller said would take place on June 22.

The former politician is already on the Sex Offenders Register due to his plea last month and he was released on continuing bail until June 22.