Stephen Walker

Stephen Walker, a 56-year-old man from Walton Cardiff near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, has been jailed for 10 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing a four-year-old girl while employed as a childminding assistant at a local nursery. Walker had worked at the nursery for 10 years prior to the allegations coming to light.

The abuse occurred on 'lots of days' last year, as described by the young victim during her evidence. The girl, who was four years old at the time, provided compelling testimony via video link to Gloucester Crown Court. Using dolls to illustrate the incidents, she explained how Walker had abused her while taking her to the toilet. She later complained to her mother that her 'middle hurt' – her term for her genitals – and informed both her mother and grandmother that Walker had caused the pain during these toilet visits.

In court, prosecutor Tabby Macfarlane outlined the child's disclosures, highlighting the consistency in her accounts. The jury found Walker unanimously guilty of assaulting a child under the age of thirteen. During his police interview, Walker denied the allegations, stating he avoided taking girls to the toilet 'to prevent allegations such as this' and claimed the victim often sought cuddles from him. His defence, represented by Charlotte Surley, suggested the child's statements were a 'misunderstanding' and that Walker had not touched her in the alleged manner.

Judge Ian Lawrie KC commended the victim's bravery, describing her evidence as 'clear and precise' and delivered without hesitation. He told Walker that the conviction was based on the 'compelling evidence of a four-year-old girl'. The trial took place at Gloucester Crown Court, with the victim interviewed in a special child-friendly location supported by officers and workers from Gloucestershire Police.

As a result of the conviction, the nursery where Walker worked has ceased trading. In addition to the 10-year custodial sentence, Walker is barred indefinitely from contact with children under 18 and must sign the sex offenders' register for life. Detective Constable David Escolme from Gloucestershire Police praised the victim and her family for their 'amazing strength and courage' throughout the process.

This case underscores the importance of safeguarding measures in childcare settings and the impact of child testimony in securing justice. The events were reported by BBC News on 25 November 2022.