Vincent Walker

Vincent Walker, a 72-year-old resident of Burnley, Lancashire, was convicted of multiple sexual offences against young girls. Over a period of more than a year, Walker abused five female victims, who were aged between eight and 13 at the time of the assaults. His actions included engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, assault by touching, causing a child under 13 to watch or look at an image of sexual activity, and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13. Walker also breached a sexual harm prevention order.

The abuse came to light when two of the victims disclosed what had happened to their parents, prompting Walker's arrest and charging in March 2025. Following his arrest, three additional victims came forward to report similar experiences of abuse by Walker. The case was investigated by Lancashire Constabulary's child protection team, led by Detective Constable Amber Forshaw.

Walker pleaded guilty to a total of 23 sexual offences at Preston Crown Court. On Friday, 28 November 2025, he was sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison, with an additional two and a half years on extended licence. Classified as a dangerous offender, Walker was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The court recognised the profound trauma inflicted on the victims, who were left fearful and traumatised by Walker's depraved actions.

Detective Constable Amber Forshaw, from Lancashire Constabulary's child protection team, commented on the case, stating: 'Walker is clearly a dangerous sexual predator with a depraved sexual interest in young girls, and I am pleased that his conviction and sentence mean he will now be behind bars for a significant time and that people will be protected from him.' The investigation highlighted the importance of victims coming forward, with further victims emerging after the initial reports.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by Lancashire Constabulary to protect children from sexual exploitation, with the force based in the North West of England handling the prosecution through the UK court system.