Bernadette Walker step-father who murdered teen dies in prison

The body of Bernadette Walker has never been found

A man who murdered his teenage stepdaughter and refused to reveal the whereabouts of her body has died in prison.

Bernadette Walker, from Peterborough, disappeared aged 17 in July 2020 after telling her mother Scott Walker abused her "over a number of years".

Walker was found guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed the 53-year-old died in HMP Full Sutton on 22 December.

A prison service spokesperson said the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman would investigate and added: "We know this will be difficult news for the family of Bernadette Walker and our thoughts are with them."

Just two days before she was last seen, Bernadette - also known as Bee - claimed Scott Walker had sexually abused her for years

Bernadette's body has never been found and her step-father did not reveal its location.

At sentencing, Judge Mrs Justice McGowan said his refusal "means she can't be shown the respect she deserves".

Walker was given a life sentence following the trial at Cambridge Crown Court in July 2021, and was told to serve a minimum of 32 years in jail.

Bernadette's mother, Sarah Walker, was also jailed for six years after being convicted - then aged 38 - of several offences of perverting the course of justice.

Scott Walker told his trial that Bernadette ran away from his car when he stopped the vehicle on the way back from his parents' house in Peterborough

Bernadette was last seen when Walker collected her from his parents' home in Peterborough on 18 July 2020.

During his trial, the jury heard Bernadette had written in a diary: "Told my mum about my dad and the abuse.

"She called me a liar and threatened to kill me if I told the police... what kind of parent wouldn't believe their daughter?"

The court heard that he most likely strangled Bernadette, then conspired with her mother, to dispose of the remains and cover up her death.

Following sentencing, Bernadette's brother Anthony Walker said their father "didn't deserve to get out of prison".

Then aged 21, Anthony Walker said his stepfather had a history of attacking family members.

He said the family "kept going to the police" about his violent behaviour.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said after sentencing that none of Walker's previous convictions - of harassment and a non-molestation order relating to a previous partner - raised safeguarding concerns.

In 2021, detectives visited Walker in prison, but said he refused to speak with them.

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