Screen shot of Allan Walton who appeared in a video produced by Stuff
A “respected” member of the West Coast community was a sexual abuser, assaulting 11 boys over nearly three decades.
Allan William Walton appeared in the Greymouth District Court today for multiple historic sexual offences.
In July last year, police issued an appeal to the public asking for anyone with further information about Walton’s offending to come forward.
The subsequent information from many current and past members of the West Coast community assisted in the case against Walton.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kirsten Norton said West Coast Police were incredibly grateful for the information provided.
“We acknowledge the trauma these incidents would have had on not only each of the people who have been harmed, but also their family and community.
And while it is pleasing to now have a resolution in Court, we know that events like these never truly leave them.”
Norton said while Walton’s offending was decades ago, where attitudes towards sexual abuse and calling authority figures to account was different, it’s important to remind people that times have changed.
“Walton was a respected member of the West Coast community in positions of implied trust.
The investigation has served as a reminder of the importance around ensuring our young people are comfortable and feel safe to come forward with information to people they trust.’’
“There has been a tremendous amount of societal change in recent decades in terms of recognising red flags and contacting the appropriate support agencies for advice.
We want to reaffirm to people that in 2023 there are a lot of adults within their wider daily lives who will be there to support them.
“You can trust that Police will take all such reports seriously, offer victims the required support, and work to hold offenders to account.”
The 88-year-old West Coast man has been sentenced to seven years and two months imprisonment for 18 serious sexual abuse charges against 11 victims, stretching back as far as the early 1950s.
CAMBRIDGE CLINIC – SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES
The Cambridge Clinic provides free medical services for anyone in Canterbury or the West Coast who has been sexually assaulted, whether recently or in the past. We offer sensitive and appropriate medical advice to male and female adults and adolescents ag …
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Address
119 Bealey Avenue,
Christchurch 8013
Telephone03 366 0067 – 24 Hour Number
Fax03 366 5448
Email[email protected]
MALE SURVIVORS CANTERBURY
A support agency for male victims/survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We provide phone support, one-on-one peer support, weekly peer support group, support for parents/partners and caregivers.
Address
21 Marshland Road,
Christchurch 8061
Telephone03 365 9000
Mobile027 789 8304
Email[email protected]
SAFE TO TALK
The Ministry of Social Development has lead the development and implementation of this national sexual harm helpline, called Safe to Talk – Kōrero mai ka ora. The helpline is available to anyone affected by sexual harm in any way. It is staffed by a team …
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Freephone0800 044 334
Text4334
Email[email protected]
Hours24 hours a day, seven days a week.
START TRUST
START is a specialist social service (non-government organisation) that has significant experience in the field of sexual abuse recovery work with child, youth and adult victims of sexual crime. START offers specialist sexual abuse counselling. This is a …
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Address
18 Queenswood Gardens, Mairehau,
Christchurch 8052
Telephone03 355 4414
Email[email protected]
HoursMonday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
STOP
STOP provides assessment and intervention for adults and adolescents who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour and children with concerning sexual behaviour. Please phone or check website for referral information. STOP Adolescent and Children’s Servic …
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Telephone03 353 0257
Email[email protected]
HoursMonday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
