Challenger Sam Sutter Wednesday accused Bristol County District Attorney Paul Walsh of being afraid to debate in Taunton because he botched a child rape case there.

Sutter said Walsh accepted a plea bargain from a former Taunton police officer last year that resulted in a sentence that amounted to less than a `` slap on the wrist. It was more like a handshake.''

The defendant, David Smith, was accused of molesting his step-daughter. He got what is called pre-trial probation despite confessing to the crime, Sutter said.

Walsh said Sutter is engaging in the typical actions of a political challenger, trying to get publicity.

He said he has already answered questions about the Smith case, including questions from a Taunton newspaper reporter during a debate last month in Attleboro. At the debate, Walsh said he did not take the Smith case to trial because he was advised the young victim could not withstand the pressure of testifying.

Walsh said he recognizes that challengers like Sutter have to make waves in a campaign, but his charge `` is not supported by the evidence.''

The district attorney said he has agreed to debate in Attleboro and Fall River, but does not have time to debate in Taunton and New Bedford as Sutter wants.

While Sutter is campaigning full time, Walsh said he is too busy prosecuting crime to debate on a regular basis.

`` Mr. Sutter likes to talk about crime, I'm here in the office trying to do something about it,'' Walsh said.

But Sutter said Walsh is ducking debates because he is afraid.

`` He doesn't want to be questioned about the Smith case,'' Sutter said.

He said he would arrange to rent a hall in the Holiday Inn in Taunton for a debate with or without Walsh on July 27.

If Walsh does not show up, Sutter said he will take questions from the press and public.

Walsh said the public is getting plenty of exposure to the Attleboro debate because it has been shown repeatedly on local cable television stations. There also will be a debate in Fall River later in the campaign, he said.

Sutter said Walsh's reasons are a `` smoke screen'' for backing out after previously agreeing to four debates.

JIM HAND can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.