Locations
Quebec Avenue, Blackpool, FY2
Description
Phillip Wallbank began abusing the girl when she was just 8 years old and continued for several years, until she bravely confided in staff at her school and the matter was reported to police.
During a police interview Wallbank, of Quebec Avenue, Blackpool, provided a lengthy prepared statement denying all allegations and claiming the victim was ‘unreliable and vindictive’.
The 37-year-old was then questioned – but declined to comment – about sexual abuse material which had been downloaded from his phone after being seized by officers.
The material amounted to over a thousand images and 1 video of category c, 15 images and 1 video of category b, and 4 images of category A.
Wallbank was subsequently charged with a catalogue of sexual offences which he continued to deny until a plea hearing in August, where he eventually admitted all 12 charges against him:
- Engage in sexual activity in presence of child under 13
- x4 Assault a girl under 13 by touching
- x2 Rape a girl under 13
- x2 Assault a girl under 13 by penetration
- x3 Make indecent images of a child
In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the girl explained that Wallbank’s abuse had caused ruptures within her family, as some of them did not believe her when she told them of the abuse:
“I’m left feeling very angry and alone because they wouldn’t believe me and thought I was lying.”
The statement goes on to tell of the lasting damage that Wallbank has inflicted:
“Because of what he did, I have nightmares almost every night.
“I wake up shaking and frightened. Flashbacks can happen at any time. They make me feel sick and like it’s happening all over again.
“Sometimes I cut the skin on my arms to stop the bad thoughts in my head.
“I feel different from other kids, I feel worthless, like I am not good enough.
“He stole my childhood, and the hurt he caused me is still with me every single day”
A judge handed Wallbank a 25-and-half-year prison term during a sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court on 27 October.
The term comprises 19-and-a-half years imprisonment plus a six-year extended licence period due to danger and risk he poses to the public.
The judge also placed Wallbank on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable Trev Allt, officer in the case, said:
“The courage shown by the victim in this case is deeply admirable.
“Despite the devastating impact Wallbank’s abuse has had on her life, she was able to trust and confide in staff at school and later police – which has allowed us to investigate and see this case through to conviction.
“The sentence handed by the judge reflects the severity of Wallbank’s crimes and the danger he poses to the public.
“Nothing can take away what Wallbank did to the victim, but it is my hope that she can now begin to move forward and rebuild her life knowing that he is behind bars and has been held publicly accountable for his crimes.”