A partner at a prestigious legal firm in Manchester was apprehended during a ‘paedophile sting’ operation. David Storry Walton, previously associated with DWF Law in Spinningfields, confessed to attempting to engage in communication with a minor for sexual satisfaction. A Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal examined the correspondence, which included the transmission of sexually graphic images, enquiries regarding sexual preferences, and discussions about masturbation.
David Storry Walton has been disqualified subsequent to the hearing.
David Storry Walton was apprehended at his residence on November 3, 2019, following a sting operation conducted by a paedophile hunter organisation. The gang had deceived him into believing he was communicating with a minor.
The 68-year-old relinquished his position at DWF Law the subsequent month. He received a community order and was registered as a sex offender for five years following his sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on October 26 of the previous year.
Utterly mental Judge Alan Conrad described David Storry Walton’s actions as ‘very wrong’. He said: “I get the impression from reading the messages and reading what is said about the messages that in fact the perverted thrill for you was in the conversation itself rather than any concluded intention of meeting the other person, and it is of note that it stopped on October 24 and it was only a couple of weeks later when they came round to your house after everything else had gone silent.
“It has, of course, been a matter of great shame to you and you have shown some courage in bringing it out in the open with those who know you and highly respect you; in fact, rarely have I seen such an impressive body of testimonials.
“You have the advantage, therefore, of positive good character in works that you do both inside and outside your own home [Editors Note: apart from raping children], and you have shown insight into what you have done and remorse for what you have done.”
The tribunal heard that Walton retired from work before the case came to court and had ‘no intention’ to seek re-registration or employment. It ruled the ‘serious nature’ of Walton’s offence meant the only ‘appropriate and proportionate sanction’ was for him to be struck off. The tribunal ordered that David Storry Walton pay £3,000 in costs.
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