STEPHEN WRIGHT: BELFAST-BASED PAEDOPHILE AND ICE CREAM VENDOR UNDER INVESTIGATION IN DUBLIN AND BELFAST

In a disturbing development, Stephen Wright, a man with a known history of sexual offenses, is now the focus of a police investigation following serious allegations made against him in Dublin. The case has garnered significant attention after an exposé published in last week’s Sunday World shed light on Wright’s sordid past and his recent activities.

According to reports, a man has come forward claiming that he was groomed and sexually abused by Wright, who is a convicted sex offender. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place on Wright’s ice cream van, famously known as ‘Mr Greedy,’ which he operated across the streets of inner-city Dublin for over a decade until just last weekend. The victim, now an adult, recounted how Wright’s actions left a lasting impact on him, and his account has prompted authorities to launch a formal investigation.

Following the publication of the exposé, Wright, who is 60 years old and originally from Belfast, along with his partner Philip Gibney, reportedly fled their apartment in Finglas. It is believed that the pair have since left Dublin and are currently in Northern Ireland, possibly in Belfast. Wright’s flight from justice is compounded by his refusal to comply with bail conditions, specifically his failure to sign the sex offenders’ register, which is a legal requirement for individuals with his criminal background. This refusal has increased the likelihood of his arrest on sight by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Wright’s legal troubles are not new. He was previously convicted in Belfast for a similar offense. In 1998, he admitted to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy he had lured into his ice cream van with promises of work. The incident occurred when Wright was out selling ice cream and offered the young boy a chance to earn some pocket money. Later that day, Wright took the boy to a service station, where he engaged in inappropriate behavior. The victim managed to escape and reported the assault to staff at the station. Wright was arrested nearby and appeared before Newtownabbey Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting the boy. He was fined £250, bound over to keep the peace for three years, and his name was added to the sex offenders’ register.

Despite his conviction, Wright refused to sign the register, claiming he “didn’t agree with it,” and remained in Belfast for a year afterward. It was during this period that he met Philip Gibney, a Dublin-born man, and the two moved to Dublin together. They established an ice cream business, owning at least three vans, and became well-known in both the north and south inner city areas. Their operation involved frequent interactions with children and families, which, according to authorities, raises concerns given Wright’s criminal history.

Recent developments include a new complaint filed at Terenure Garda Station by a 25-year-old man who alleged a serious sexual assault by Wright. The man, who read the Sunday World exposé, provided details of his abuse, which he claims occurred when he was between 14 and 16 years old while working for Wright. He also identified at least two other individuals whom he believes were victims of the same man. Gardaí are actively seeking Wright and any other potential victims to further investigate these claims.

Investigations have revealed that Wright was heavily involved in organizing underage discos at various large venues in Dublin from the year 2000 onwards. The pattern of allegations and his past conviction mirror each other closely, raising serious concerns about his continued presence in the community.

Wright’s criminal history is well-documented. His Belfast conviction involved meeting a 14-year-old boy, offering him work, and later attempting to engage in sexual activity. The incident was reported, and Wright was arrested and prosecuted. Despite his legal penalties, he has consistently refused to accept certain legal obligations, such as signing the sex offenders’ register, which complicates his legal standing.

Now residing in Dublin with Gibney, Wright’s activities as an ice cream vendor have continued, with him and Gibney operating multiple vans across the city. Undercover surveillance has captured Wright interacting jovially with children, unaware of his dark past. The community’s shock is palpable, as many feel betrayed by his seemingly innocent facade. When confronted, Wright reportedly exclaimed, “you will get me shot,” before hurriedly leaving the scene in panic. Both he and Gibney have made efforts to keep Wright’s sordid history out of the media, but the recent exposé has made that increasingly difficult.

There is no indication that Philip Gibney is involved in any criminal activity, but the focus remains on Wright’s past and present actions. As authorities continue their investigation, the community awaits further developments, hoping that justice will be served and that vulnerable individuals are protected from further harm.