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Falklands Veteran Jailed For Sexually Abusing Girl

A Falkands veteran has been sentenced to nine years in jail after being convicted of sexually abusing a girl in the 1980s.

Former Royal Navy sailor Kevin Wallis, 63, left his victim "scarred for life" after trying to rape her over 30 years ago.

Wallis, who had served as a Chief Petty Officer, touched the girl indecently repeatedly over four years, sometimes on trips to Dartmoor, according to the Plymouth Herald. Judge Ian Lawrie said:

"This was a persistent and calculated course of behaviour covering four years.

"The emotional and psychological impact is clearly significant."

"There is little doubt by your actions, she is scarred for life."

The jury heard that Wallis, who was in the Royal Navy for more than 30 years, kissed his victim inappropriately, building up years later to the attempted rape.

The woman wiped away tears as she told Plymouth Crown Court about the abuse, adding that the veteran told her it was "their little secret" and she only approached the police two years ago.

Wallis denied any inappropriate contact with the girl, claiming she could have got the idea from a soap opera.

He was found guilty, however, of attempted rape, five counts of indecent assault and indecency with a child by majority verdicts after nine hours of jury deliberation.

He was cleared of two other indecent assault charges following the week-long trial.

Paul Dentith, for Wallis, said the defendant had come back from the Falklands War in 1982 a "changed man":

"It is the horrors of war. As with many servicemen he put a brave face on it. But he saw 50 bodies in bags on the deck, some of whom he had served with. That is bound to have an impact."

Wallis joined the Royal Navy in 1969 aged 15, before serving on HMS Fearless as a mechanical engineer in the early 80s, mostly based at Portsmouth. He only left the service in 2003.

Judge Lawrie said that he took the veteran's distinguished service into account, but that it did not excuse his behaviour towards the girl on his return in any way.

An NSPCC spokesperson for South West England said:

"With the offences taking place 30 years ago, Wallis may have thought he had got away with them, but thanks to the bravery his victim showed in coming forward he is now behind bars."

"It is absolutely right that people who suffered child sexual abuse, such as the victim, in this case, can seek justice no matter how much time has passed since their ordeal.

"We need to ensure that survivors of abuse always feel confident to come forward, safe in the knowledge that their voices will be heard."

If anyone has any concerns about a child, they can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice. Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111.