Former DUP councillor to stand trial on child sexual grooming accusations

Former DUP councillor to stand trial on child sexual grooming accusations

8 March 2023

A FORMER DUP councillor will go on trial accused of attempted sexual communication with children.

William Walker (60), formerly from Killyleagh, but with a bail address at a hotel in Blackpool, appeared at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. 

He faces two counts of attempted sexual communication with two children, ‘Sammy Jo’ and ‘Daisy May’, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification between February 10 and 23 last year.

It is understood the charges arose after allegations were made by a paedophile hunter group.

Following his arrest Walker resigned as a councillor for the Rowallane area on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Previously, he was a former chairman of Down District Council.

Wearing a blue suit and white shirt, he appeared briefly in the dock for Thursday’s preliminary enquiry hearing.

He confirmed that he had received papers and that he had no objection to the preliminary enquiry going ahead.

A prosecution lawyer said papers and statements formed the basis of a case for Walker to answer, which was conceded by his defence barrister.

The court clerk informed Walker that he had a right to comment on charges and call witnesses and evidence on his behalf, which he declined.

Walker was granted legal aid and was remanded on bail of £300 to appear at Downpatrick Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, on a date to be arranged.

The conditions of Walker’s bail are that he resides at an address agreed by the court and that he has no unsupervised communication with anyone under 16 without the approval of social services.