Suspended DUP councillor facing charge of child sexual grooming

Suspended DUP councillor facing charge of child sexual grooming

24 August 2022

A SUSPENDED DUP member of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been charged with child sexual grooming.

Billy Walker, who is from Killyleagh and is a representative for the Rowallane area on the council, was arrested in February.

The 59-year-old was later suspended by the DUP pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Police have since charged Mr Walker and he is due to appear in court next month.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “Detectives from the Police Service’s child internet protection team have charged a 59-year-old male with attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to arrange to meet a child following sexual grooming.

“He is expected to appear before Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court on September 19.

“As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”

Mr Walker is a long-standing councillor and a former chairman of the now defunct Down District Council.