Stephen Henry Walker

Stephen Henry Walker, a 68-year-old former Metropolitan Police officer and children's football coach from Chipstead Lane, Lower Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey, was handed a 29-year prison sentence in 2021 at Croydon Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual assaults against minors. Walker's crimes involved both boys and girls, exploiting his positions of trust within the community and law enforcement.

The case came to light through investigations that led to two separate trials. In the first trial, starting in January 2021 and lasting over seven weeks, Walker was found guilty on 33 counts of sexual assault by a unanimous jury verdict after just three hours of deliberation. A second trial in March resulted in guilty verdicts on an additional seven counts, bringing the total to 40 charges relating to 15 victims. The assaults spanned years, with victims recounting the profound impact of Walker's predatory actions.

Court proceedings revealed how Walker abused his authority as a coach to perpetrate the offences, leaving lasting trauma on his young victims. The Metropolitan Police and Surrey authorities collaborated to ensure justice, with the sentencing reflecting the gravity of the repeated violations. This case highlighted the dangers posed by individuals in positions of authority.

Judicial Comment: The judge described the offences as 'a gross betrayal of trust' that demanded the maximum penalty to protect the public.