A pensioner who preyed on two vulnerable schoolgirls can have no complaints about his stern sentence, top judges have ruled.
Stuart Walker, 72, was imprisoned for 17 years 11 months at Leeds Crown Court last December after he was convicted of two counts of rape – and the Appeal Court in London has now ruled he deserved every day.
Walker, of Field Road, Holmfirth, abused his victims more than 10 years ago, London’s Appeal Court heard today.
He raped one youngster in her own bedroom and offered her cash to keep her quiet.
The ordeal took a devastating toll on the girl, said Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC, driving her to cut her wrists and run away from home.
His other victim recalled Walker having sex with her, said the judge, although she had struggled to “keep matters buried for many years.”
Walker’s case reached the Appeal Court as he challenged his sentence which he claimed was far too harsh given his advanced age and ill-health.
Judge Hilliard, sitting with Lady Justice Sharp and Mrs Justice Andrews, noted Walker’s history of heart disease and asthma.
But he ruled that his punishment was fair and reflected the seriousness of his crimes.
The total sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate, he concluded, rejecting the appeal.
