STEPHEN WILSON AND SHOCKING CRIMES IN YORKSHIRE
A man with a disturbing history of sexual offences against children, Stephen Wilson, 60, was found working on a children's amusement ride in Yorkshire, despite serving time in prison and being subject to strict legal restrictions.The incident has raised serious concerns about the enforcement of prevention orders and the safety of children in public spaces.
Wilson had previously served six years of a nine-year sentence after being convicted of multiple sexual offences involving minors.
Released from prison on December 6, 2017, he was placed under an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which specifically forbade him from working with anyone under the age of 16, whether in paid or voluntary roles, unless he obtained explicit permission from authorities.
The purpose of this order is to prevent individuals with known histories of sexual crimes from reoffending or putting children at risk through employment or volunteering.
Despite these restrictions, law enforcement officials uncovered Wilson actively working on an amusement ride called 'Wacky Races' on the promenade in Bridlington on March 29 of this year.
A detective from Humberside Police observed Wilson operating the ride, which is a popular attraction among young children.
During the observation, the officer noticed Wilson physically assisting children off the ride, which involved lifting them out of the ride's seating area.
Prosecutor Phillip Evans, speaking at Hull Crown Court, detailed the encounter, emphasizing that Wilson was clearly the ride’s operator at the time.
Despite Wilson’s later attempt to claim that the ride was designed for older children, the officer’s account confirmed otherwise.
The police officer noted that the children involved appeared to be between three and five years old.
Given concerns about causing undue distress or alarm to parents, the officers waited for an appropriate moment before making their move to arrest Wilson discreetly.
Wilson, of Winston Court, Bridlington, admitted to breaching his sexual offences prevention order at the earliest opportunity during his court hearing.
His breach of the order was particularly alarming given his criminal background.
Wilson's list of convictions is extensive, with 22 previous convictions encompassing a total of 67 offences, including some of the most serious sexual crimes against minors.
Among his prior convictions, Wilson was found guilty on December 7, 2010, at Grimsby Crown Court, of one count of rape of a child under 16, two counts of gross indecency with a child, and one count of indecent assault on a child under 16.
His family, as reported by his legal representative, Dale Brook, had disowned him following these convictions, leaving him isolated.
Since his recent arrest, Wilson has remained incarcerated, and his time in prison has been described as profoundly difficult.
His legal representative stated that Wilson had been subjected to bullying while detained.
Furthermore, Mr.
Brook highlighted that Wilson’s motivation for working on the amusement ride was purely financial, as he was trying to earn money to furnish his flat.
Despite this, legal authorities emphasized that his employment on such a ride was inherently risky due to his criminal history and breach of the prevention order.
In court, Judge Richard Woolfall addressed Wilson directly, underscoring that Wilson’s failure to disclose his background to his employer was highly irresponsible.
The judge stated, “It is right that parents would think anyone operating such a ride would be trustworthy.
You are anything but trustworthy.” He emphasized that Wilson was aware of his restrictions but chose to ignore them, exposing children to substantial danger.
Given the seriousness of the breach and Wilson’s history, he was sentenced to two years in prison.
The judge also noted that he would serve approximately half of that term before being eligible for release on license.
The indefinite sexual harm prevention order would remain in force beyond his incarceration, ensuring continued restrictions aimed at safeguarding the community from any potential risk posed by him in the future.
