JOHN WREY FROM HAYLE AND PLYMOUTH CAUGHT GAZING AT CHILDREN AT FAIRGROUND

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local communities, 54-year-old John Wrey, a known sex offender with a troubling criminal history, was observed engaging in suspicious behavior at a busy fairground. This event took place just three years after Wrey was convicted of heinous child sexual offenses, raising serious concerns about his current whereabouts and activities.

Wrey, who hails from Hayle in Cornwall, was seen wandering through the lively city centre, where families and children were enjoying the festivities. Witnesses reported that he spent several hours walking past various rides and attractions, frequently casting lingering, unsettling glances at young children. His behavior was described as invasive and inappropriate, especially given his criminal background.

Previously, Wrey was part of a notorious paedophile gang that was responsible for a series of horrific sexual crimes. He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for multiple sex offenses involving 28 young girls, some as young as five years old. The judge at his trial condemned Wrey as “disgusting,” and the entire gang received a combined sentence of fifty years behind bars. Despite this, Wrey served only three years before being released on licence, a decision that has sparked outrage among victims and advocacy groups.

Currently, Wrey is residing at a 19-bed bail hostel located in Plymouth, Devon. This facility allows him the freedom to come and go as he pleases, under supervision but without constant surveillance. On one particular day, Wrey left the hostel at approximately 9:30 am, signed in at a probation office, and then proceeded into the city centre. Witnesses observed him staring at children on the funfair rides, an act that has caused alarm among parents and guardians.

On another occasion, Wrey visited the Plymouth Hoe, a popular tourist destination, where he was seen wearing sunglasses and glancing sideways at a young girl, further fueling concerns about his intentions and behavior. Detective Inspector Simon Snell, who led the investigation that uncovered the gang’s activities, stated: “We are talking about the rapes of very young children over a number of years. We believe there are other offenders. And we won’t have spoken to every victim.”

In connection with the gang’s crimes, several other individuals received lengthy prison sentences. John Barrett, aged 49, was sentenced to 14 and a half years; James Machin, 54, received 18 years; Alan Wills, 46, was given 16 years; and Derek Shepherd, 63, was convicted of possessing indecent images. The authorities emphasized that individuals released on licence remain under strict monitoring by the Probation Service and police, with the possibility of recall to custody if conditions are breached. The agencies involved continue to assess and manage risks, aiming to prevent reoffending and protect the community from further harm.