CHRISTOPHER FORBES SHOCKS DUNDEE WITH PAST SEX OFFENSES AND NEW TRANSPORT JOB IN ANGUS
In a development that has raised concerns within the local community, Christopher Forbes, a man previously involved in a serious sexual misconduct incident in Dundee, has recently secured employment with a transport company operating in the Angus region.This comes despite his past convictions and the fact that he is on the sex offenders register.
Back in September 2016, Forbes was working as a school bus driver in Dundee when he was involved in a disturbing incident.
He was seen kissing a 14-year-old girl while on duty, specifically on the National Express Number 17 Whitfield service.
This incident was reported and subsequently led to his placement on the sex offenders register.
The incident took place on a bus, and the details of the event caused significant concern among parents and school authorities.
At the time, Forbes was employed by Dundee-based Fishers Tours, a company that holds a lucrative £2 million contract with Angus Council for transporting schoolchildren.
The company stated that they adhere to strict employment checks, including providing a list of employees involved in school duties and ensuring all necessary background checks are completed.
A spokesperson for Angus Council confirmed that the contractor was meeting all required conditions, despite Forbes’s past.
In August 2016, Forbes was observed outside Monifieth High School in Angus, driving a recovery coach for Fishers Tours after a bus broke down.
Witnesses noted that the vehicle was a Fishers Tours recovery coach, and Forbes was seen operating it.
However, the company clarified that the pupils had already been transferred to a replacement coach before Forbes arrived, indicating that he was not directly involved with students at that moment.
It is important to note that Forbes’s ban from approaching children had expired by this time.
Previously, in 2013, he was involved in a highly publicized incident where he was caught on CCTV kissing a schoolgirl in a lay-by.
The footage showed Forbes walking to the back of his bus with the girl, an act that shocked witnesses and prompted an investigation by Dundee authorities.
Forbes initially denied the allegations, claiming that nothing inappropriate had occurred, but CCTV evidence proved otherwise.
In June 2013, Forbes, then aged 33, faced legal proceedings after the incident.
He was charged with engaging in sexual activity with a minor and was placed on the sex offenders register.
The court heard that Forbes had pulled his bus over, turned off the vehicle’s lights, and engaged in kissing and cuddling the girl.
A passer-by reported the incident to National Express Dundee, leading to an investigation.
During the court proceedings, Forbes admitted to the sexual activity with the underage girl.
His defense argued that he was experiencing difficulties in his relationship at the time.
The judge, Sheriff Tom Hughes, decided against imposing a custodial sentence, believing that Forbes would benefit more from community-based rehabilitation.
As part of his sentence, Forbes was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and was banned from any contact with girls under 17.
He was also required to register as a sex offender.
Despite these serious allegations and his legal restrictions, Forbes has since returned to work in the transport sector.
He has left his previous position with National Express and has found employment with a different firm operating in Dundee and Angus.
The company and local authorities have reiterated that all employment checks are being followed, and they are satisfied that the conditions are being met.
This situation has sparked debate about the rehabilitation and employment of individuals with past offenses, especially those involving minors.
The community remains concerned about the safety of children and the appropriateness of allowing individuals with such histories to return to roles involving contact with young people.
