Northern Ireland Woman Charged with Historical Sexual Abuse of Young Girl

Karen Walker leaving Ards court where she was charged with the
historical sex abuse of a female child

A Bangor, Northern Ireland woman has been charged with the historical sexual abuse of a young girl.

Standing in the dock of Newtownards Magistrates’ Court,   Karen Walker confirmed her identity and that she understood the five charges against her.

The 30-year-old, from Bexley Road in the seaside town, faces two counts of indecently assaulting a female child and three further allegations of committing acts of gross indecency with or towards a female child on dates unknown between January 1999 and January 2000.

Bangor, NI marina

A prosecution lawyer submitted that Walker had a case to answer “on the basis of the papers before the court”.

Defence solicitor Darren Duncan told the court he had no contrary submissions and District Judge Mark Hamill elevated the case to Downpatrick Crown Court for trial.

Walker, who remained standing throughout her short, first court appearance was told that she had the right to comment on the charges, give evidence herself or call witnesses on her own behalf but she replied by telling the court clerk simply “no”.

Releasing Walker on her own bail of £500 and barring her from contacting her alleged victim, Judge Hamill ordered her to appear before the Crown Court on April 28 for arraignment.