Edward Walton

A convicted sex offender, Edward Walton, aged 55, has been found guilty of several serious sexual offences against young girls in West Sussex. The convictions, handed down on 8 April at Hove Crown Court, relate to incidents spanning from 2004 to 2015 in Littlehampton and Barnham.

The first set of charges involved an incident between 2004 and 2006, during which Walton exposed himself to a girl aged approximately 11 or 12 while operating a milk float. He was acquitted on a related count of causing the child to watch pornography, but the jury unanimously convicted him on the exposure charge. This offence highlights the predatory nature of Walton's actions, targeting a vulnerable child in a public setting.

In respect of a second victim, aged nine or ten at the time, Walton was convicted on three counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing her to watch pornography. These abuses occurred at addresses where he was residing in Littlehampton and Barnham, as confirmed by Sussex Police following the trial. The offences demonstrate a pattern of grooming and exploitation over several years.

During the trial, Walton displayed no emotion as the jury foreman delivered the unanimous guilty verdicts on all six charges. Jack Talbot, defending, informed the court that Walton is currently serving a custodial sentence at HM Prison Littlehey in Cambridgeshire for several serious sexual offences committed previously. The Recorder, Mr Anthony Hawks, commended the jury for their public duty in what he described as a difficult case.

Sentencing is scheduled for 10 June at Hove Crown Court, where Walton will face further consequences for these convictions. Sussex Police have emphasised the importance of the trial in delivering justice for the victims.