STEPHEN BRYAN FROM PENKHULL FINED FOR DRIVING VAN IN BREACH OF SEX OFFENDER ORDER

In May 2012, Stephen Bryan, a man with a troubling criminal history, faced legal consequences after violating a court-imposed Sexual Offences Prevention Order. The breach involved him operating a work van without obtaining prior permission from Staffordshire Police, an act that directly contravened the strict conditions set by the court.

Stephen Bryan, aged 48 and residing in Honeywall, Penkhull, had previously been convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison for grooming a police officer who was posing online as a 14-year-old girl. His criminal record also includes a prior conviction in the United States, where he served a year in jail in 2000 for similar offences before being deported back to the UK. After his release, Bryan worked as a children's party entertainer, primarily engaging with children aged between five and ten, a role that raised concerns given his past.

At North Staffordshire Magistrates Court, prosecutor Steve Knowles outlined the details of Bryan’s latest breach. He explained that the Sexual Offences Prevention Order explicitly prohibited Bryan from using a motor vehicle without notifying the Chief Constable of Staffordshire beforehand. The court was told that Bryan, who was employed as a maintenance engineer at a Stafford supermarket, drove a work van for a period of two weeks while his colleague was on holiday. However, he failed to inform the police about this activity, which was a clear violation of the court order.

Mr. Knowles emphasized that Bryan’s actions took place between July 14 and July 28, during which he used the van without proper notification. Despite the relatively short duration of the breach, the court found it serious enough to warrant a penalty. Bryan pleaded guilty to the charge of using a motor vehicle without prior notification, which was a breach of the order issued at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Defense lawyer Simon Dykes argued that Bryan’s use of the van was on a “very temporary basis” and was related to his employment duties. He described the breach as being at the lower end of the scale and acknowledged that Bryan had simply neglected to inform the police while his colleague was away. Dykes also pointed out that Bryan’s previous criminal activities included a conviction in the United States and that his recent breach was not indicative of ongoing predatory behavior.

Nevertheless, the court decided to impose a fine and costs totaling £360 on Bryan for the breach. The judge’s decision underscored the importance of strict adherence to court orders designed to protect the public from individuals with a history of sexual offenses. Bryan’s criminal record, which includes grooming a teenage girl online and attempting to meet her in Manchester, highlights the ongoing concerns about his potential risk to children.

Following the sentencing, Chief Inspector Harry Harrison of Greater Manchester Police commented on Bryan’s case, describing his conduct as displaying “predatory sexual behaviour” and emphasizing that he remains “a danger to any child he has ever worked with.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of monitoring and enforcing restrictions placed on convicted sex offenders to prevent further harm.