BRAIN STEPHENS FROM SUNDERLAND CAUGHT DRIVING KIDS' TRAIN AT ROKER PARK DESPITE SEX OFFENDER STATUS

In February 2010, a disturbing incident unfolded at Roker Park in Sunderland involving Brian Stephens, a man with a deeply troubling past. Despite being a registered sex offender for life, Stephens was found operating a miniature train designed for children, much to the shock and outrage of parents and park visitors alike.

Stephens, aged 71, was seen taking young children on rides around the park, a scene that should have raised immediate concerns given his criminal history. The situation came to light when an off-duty detective, who happened to be present at the park, recognized Stephens and realized he was on the Sex Offenders Register for life. This recognition prompted swift action from law enforcement authorities.

It was revealed that Stephens had previously served a five-year prison sentence in 2001 after being convicted of assaulting two schoolgirls, both under the age of 14. His criminal record was a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals with such histories, yet he had managed to secure a position operating the miniature train at Roker Park, a popular leisure spot in Sunderland. Over a period of six months, Stephens reportedly gave rides to thousands of unsuspecting children, all while concealing his past from the volunteers and staff managing the attraction.

Following the discovery, authorities moved quickly to prevent Stephens from continuing his activities at the park. A court hearing was convened, during which police sought and obtained a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This legal measure effectively bans Stephens from entering parks, leisure centers, zoos, and school playgrounds in Sunderland and beyond. It also prohibits him from being near girls under the age of 16, aiming to protect vulnerable children from potential harm.

The Sunderland Model Engineering Society, which operates the miniature train ride, admitted that they had not checked Stephens’s criminal record before allowing him to work. However, the society’s secretary, Albert Stephenson, emphasized that the organization had strict policies in place, including a no-physical-contact rule with passengers, which aligns with national safety guidelines. He further clarified that Stephens was no longer a member of the club, distancing the organization from his actions.

Despite these assurances, parents expressed their outrage and concern. One mother, aged 33, questioned how someone with Stephens’s criminal background could have been employed in such a role in the first place, highlighting the importance of background checks for individuals working with children. The incident has raised serious questions about safeguarding procedures at community attractions in Sunderland, especially in well-frequented public parks like Roker Park.