Phillip Wallbank

Phillip Wallbank, a 37-year-old man from Quebec Avenue in Blackpool, has been sentenced to over 25 years in prison for the prolonged sexual abuse of a young girl. The abuse began when the victim was just 8 years old and continued for several years until she bravely disclosed the matter to school staff, prompting a police investigation by Derbyshire Constabulary.

Wallbank's depraved actions included engaging in sexual activity in the presence of the child, assault by touching, rape, and assault by penetration, all against a girl under 13. He was charged with 12 counts, comprising four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13, two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, two counts of raping a girl under 13, three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, and one count of making indecent images of a child. During the investigation, police seized his phone and discovered over a thousand category C images and one video, 15 category B images and one video, and four category A images of child sexual abuse material.

In his police interview, Wallbank provided a prepared statement denying all allegations, labelling the victim as 'unreliable and vindictive'. He declined to comment when questioned about the downloaded material. However, at a plea hearing in August 2025, he admitted to all charges. The case was heard at Derby Crown Court, where the judge imposed a sentence reflecting the severity of the crimes and the ongoing risk Wallbank poses to the public.

The victim's impact statement, read in court, highlighted the profound and lasting damage caused by Wallbank's abuse. She described family ruptures due to disbelief from some relatives, nightly nightmares, flashbacks, self-harm, and a sense of worthlessness. 'He stole my childhood, and the hurt he caused me is still with me every single day,' she stated. Detective Constable Trev Allt, the lead officer, praised the victim's courage in confiding in school staff and police, noting that her bravery led to Wallbank's conviction and accountability.

The sentencing on 27 October 2025 included 19 and a half years of imprisonment plus a six-year extended licence period, totalling 25 and a half years. Wallbank was also placed on the sex offenders register for life. This case underscores the devastating effects of child sexual exploitation and the importance of reporting such crimes to authorities.