A former DWF Law partner faces dire consequences following a serious criminal conviction.
- The case involved an attempt to engage in sexual communication with a minor.
- David Storry Walton was sentenced to a community order with rehabilitation conditions.
- The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal struck him off due to the severity of his actions.
- Walton’s conviction stems from a sting operation and involves significant personal fallout.
A former partner at DWF Law, David Storry Walton, has been removed from the solicitor’s roll after a grave criminal conviction was recorded against him. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) made the decision following Walton’s admission of attempting to engage in inappropriate communication with a supposed underage individual.
Walton, aged 68, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to a community order which included a requirement to undertake 20 rehabilitation activity days. Additionally, Walton has been placed on the sex offenders register for a period of five years as part of his sentencing. His conviction, which involves sending explicit content and discussing sexual themes, underscores the severity of his misconduct.
The offence, which occurred over a two-week period in October 2019, involved a decoy rather than an actual child, as orchestrated by a paedophile hunter group. Walton was subsequently arrested in November 2019 at his home after his actions were exposed during this sting operation.
In a candid admission before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, Walton acknowledged that his actions were driven by sexual gratification motives. The Tribunal, in its judgment, noted the serious nature of his offence, stating that striking him off the solicitor’s roll was the sole appropriate and proportionate response to such conduct.
Highlighting the impact of this case, His Honour Judge Conrad remarked on the evident remorse shown by Walton, emphasising that the thrill for Walton appeared to lie more in the conversation than any intention to physically meet the other party. The Tribunal’s decision also required Walton to pay £3,000 in costs.
Walton departed from his position at DWF Law on 12 December 2019 and has not held a practising certificate since. Despite his past standing and the considerable number of positive testimonials he received, the Tribunal remained firm in its decision, recognising the gravity of his criminal actions.
The case of David Storry Walton serves as a stark reminder of the stringent standards and consequences within the legal profession.
