JOHN WILKINSON'S SHOCKING CRIMINAL PAST AT LEEDS SCHOOLS REVEALED
In October 2006, serious concerns emerged regarding the safety protocols at schools in Leeds, following revelations about John Wilkinson, a man with a troubling criminal history, who was allowed to work in educational settings despite his past offenses.Wilkinson, a 56-year-old resident of Houghley Crescent, Bramley, Leeds, was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison at Leeds Crown Court for four separate counts of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.
The girl, whom Wilkinson had befriended in west Leeds, was the victim of his heinous acts, which came to light during the court proceedings.
Despite his criminal record, Wilkinson had been employed at two different schools in Leeds—Wyther Park Primary School in Bramley and its successor, Hollybush School.
This employment history raised serious questions about the safeguarding measures in place at these institutions.
It was particularly alarming because, according to reports, Wilkinson was involved in activities that involved close contact with children, including weekly woodworking classes.
A former staff member at one of the schools, Maureen from Bramley, expressed her outrage upon learning of the situation.
She recounted her own experiences working at Wyther Park Primary during the late 1980s and early 1990s, where Wilkinson was a regular presence.
Maureen stated, “I was fuming when I read what the council said.
I can clearly remember Wilkinson at Wyther Park School holding woodworking lessons on a weekly basis.
He used to have a group of up to six children around his woodworking table, which was located in the cloakroom and toilet area because there was no other space available.” Maureen emphasized her concern, saying, “He was on his own every time I saw him; there was never a member of staff with him.” Her account directly contradicts the Leeds education department’s claim that Wilkinson never worked unsupervised with children.
Her detailed recollections suggest that Wilkinson was often left alone with children during these sessions.
Further investigations revealed that Wilkinson’s employment at Hollybush Primary School was terminated after police contacted staff in January of the same year regarding allegations related to his past offenses.
The police’s involvement was prompted by concerns over his suitability to work with children, given his criminal history dating back to 1967.
In response to the controversy, a spokesperson from Education Leeds stated, “Education Leeds places a high priority on protecting and safeguarding children’s needs.
We can’t emphasize enough that if there had been any indication of a sexual offence conviction, or suspicion of concern, John Wilkinson’s role at the school would have ceased immediately and we would have worked with the school on a thorough investigation.” The spokesperson further assured the public that, “Whatever his role at the two schools, we are confident that at no time was there any risk to the safety and security of children.” However, critics argue that the fact Wilkinson was able to work at these schools despite his criminal record raises questions about the effectiveness of safeguarding procedures and background checks in place at the time.
