Brian Walters

Brian Walters, a 67-year-old man from Yorkshire, was convicted at Hull Crown Court in July 2023 for the rape of a woman whom he had plied with a large quantity of alcohol. The incident occurred when Walters provided the victim with nearly 30 cans of Fosters lager, leaving her in a state where she could 'hardly stand up' and was 'out of it', as she later described in court.

The victim recounted to the court that she remembered Walters having sex with her but had little recollection of how she became fully naked during the encounter. She disclosed the assault to a support worker, appearing 'visibly upset' at the time, which prompted police involvement. Walters denied the charges, insisting there was 'no truth' in the accusations and rejecting claims of rape and two counts of indecent assault. He admitted to drinking beer but disputed the quantity, stating, 'I had some beer. Fosters. I don't count them. I just drink them.'

During the trial, Judge Mark Bury addressed Walters, explaining that he had given the victim alcohol 'to the point where she was incapable of looking after herself'. The jury found him guilty, and he was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. Charlotte Baines, mitigating on his behalf, noted that Walters was 'struggling to cope' with imprisonment. He was sent to HMP Littlehey, a Category C prison in Cambridgeshire.

Tragically, Walters passed away on 27 October 2024 at the age of 68 while in hospital, succumbing to a heart attack triggered by atherosclerosis, a condition involving fatty deposits in the arteries. The Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) investigated his death and released a report on 7 November 2024, confirming that his medical care at the prison met a 'good standard' equivalent to community care. An independent clinical reviewer commissioned by NHS England found no issues with his treatment, and the PPO identified no concerns in non-clinical aspects, concluding no recommendations were necessary. Reports from Hull Live detailed the court proceedings and the circumstances of his conviction.