Vile Blackpool monster, 44, locked up for 28 years as police praise victims' bravery

Gareth Walton
-Credit: (Image: Lancashire Police)


A Blackpool man has been jailed for 28 years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two young women.

Gareth Walton, 44, was found guilty by a jury after a trial at Preston Crown Court in July of 19 sexual offences. Lancashire Police launched an investigation after the offences were reported in January this year.

When Walton appeared for sentence on Friday September 20, the judge passed a 28-year sentence – he must serve at least 18 years of that sentence before he can apply for parole.

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Walton, of no fixed address, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ registration for life and made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

Det Sgt Cherie Hall of Blackpool Police, said: “Walton committed these deplorable offences against two vulnerable victims. Both of them showed great courage and bravery to report these offences and then to give evidence at the trial.

“I welcome the long prison sentence passed on Walton and it shows how seriously the judge viewed the offences committed.

“If you have been a victim of sexual offences, please come forward to report them so that the police can investigate and help bring offenders to justice.”

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