Gainsborough man who raped and sexually assaulted a child jailed for 18 years

Alex Walster of Gainsborough had pleaded guilty to 13 charges at an earlier hearing before he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, September 11.

The 38-year-old, who committed the offences across 2023 and 2024 in a village near Lincoln, had tried to avoid sentencing by leaving the country before he was found and arrested in Ireland.

In a personal statement, the victim told Lincolnshire Police the crimes against her had a significant impact on her life and it is something that will affect for years to come.

However, she said she is determined to rebuild her life, be a strong person and not look back at what Walster did to her.

Walster was handed a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order which prevents any contact with the victim and her family.

DC Victoria Robbie, who led the investigation, said the result is a testament to the hard work of those within the force and the strength and composure of the child involved in the case.

She said: “This outcome marks the end of our investigation into Walster’s repulsive offending.

“We are grateful to, and inspired by, the victim and her family who have so patiently waited and worked alongside us to bring Walster to justice.

“The victim of this case is remarkable, and I believe will go on to live a full and fantastic life with the support of her family, in spite of the abhorrent crimes Walster committed against her.

“Every day we come to work to reclaim the childhoods and lives of victims of these terrible crimes and today we are pleased that Walster’s sentence reflects this.”

If you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual assault or any other sexual offence, please report it to the police as soon as possible, by calling 101, reporting it online at www.lincs.police.uk, or you can call Crimestoppers anonymoulsy on 0800 555 111.

You can also find out what other organisations can help and support you on the Lincolnshire Police website.