SURREY RCMP announced on Thursday that charges have been laid in relation to an alleged sexual assault that occurred in the 1980s and are seeking additional information from anyone who attended the church during that time.

On July 8, 2021, Surrey RCMP received a report of historical sexual assaults that occurred at Christ Church Surrey Centre which was located in the 16600-block of Old McLellan Road and then moved to Christ the Redeemer Anglican Parish in the 16600-block of Bell Road in late 1988.

The alleged sexual assaults occurred between 1985 and 1988 and involved a young female child who was attending the Sunday school program. At the time of the offence, the accused was a member of the church committee and Synod Delegate.

On March 10, 2022, one count of sexual assault was laid against 68-year-old, Brian Robert Walks, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested on March 13 and later released on court-imposed conditions which limit his access to persons under the age of 16 years.

“Although the alleged incident occurred more than 30 years ago, we believe that there are likely people in the community who attended the church and may have additional information,” said Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Vanessa Munn. “Anyone with information, especially those who attended the named churches in the 1980’s, are asked to contact the Surrey RCMP.”

Anyone with information can contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and request to speak with the Special Victims Unit.