Judge refuses to shorten temporary restraining order to keep ‘monster’ child molester away from children – Kamloops News

Photo: KTW file

A child molester whom a judge called a “monster” when he was sentenced in 2016 has failed in his attempt to have 15 years shaved off a 20-year restraining order designed to keep him away from children.

Steven Walsh, 54, applied in Kamloops Provincial Court to lift a 20-year restraining order that came into effect late last year when his seven-year prison sentence ended. The restraining order prohibits Walsh from attending schools, parks, playgrounds or swimming pools and prohibits him from having contact with anyone under the age of 16.

Walsh was sentenced to seven years in prison in Kelowna Provincial Court in 2016 after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of a person under 16 and production of child pornography. He was arrested in November 2012 when police discovered more than 100 sexual images and videos depicting a girl Walsh knew.

When Walsh’s sentence was announced, the court was aware that the victim had suicidal thoughts due to the “humiliation and shame” resulting from the crimes.

Walsh wanted his restraining order reduced to reflect the finding that his risk of reoffending was low and that he had completed appropriate programs and changed his attitude.

He also wanted to be able to attend schools and leisure centers for two reasons: because of his job as a delivery driver and because he wants to swim because of a back injury.

Prosecutors rejected Walsh’s request for several reasons. They argued that lifting the restraining order could increase his dangerousness.

Kamloops Provincial Court Judge Ray Phillips declined to reduce the length of Walsh’s ban, calling the request “excessive, premature and unjustified under the circumstances.”

However, Phillips changed two conditions of Walsh’s ban to make it easier for him to work and remain active. He is now only prohibited from contact or proximity with “female persons” under 16, not “persons.”