Peterborough, England – A man who was convicted of murdering his step-daughter after she accused him of sexual abuse has died in prison. Bernadette Walker disappeared in July 2020 at the age of 17 after revealing to her mother that Scott Walker had been abusing her for years.
Scott Walker, 53, was found guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice. The Ministry of Justice confirmed his death in HMP Hull Sutton on December 22. The prison service stated that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman would investigate and expressed condolences to Bernadette’s family.
Despite the conviction, Bernadette’s body has never been found, as her step-father refused to reveal its location. At sentencing, Judge Mrs. Justice McGowan expressed that his refusal denied Bernadette the respect she deserved. Walker was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 32 years.
Bernadette’s mother, Sarah Walker, was also convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for perverting the course of justice. The court heard that Bernadette had written in a diary about her abuse and her mother’s threats if she told the police.
After the sentencing, Bernadette’s brother, Anthony Walker, expressed that their father “didn’t deserve to get out of prison,” citing a history of violence against family members. Cambridgeshire Constabulary stated that Walker’s previous convictions did not raise safeguarding concerns, despite reports to the police about his violent behavior.
Despite the man’s death, the tragedy of Bernadette’s disappearance and murder continues to haunt her family, who have not found closure due to the absence of her remains.