BRIAN BOSWORTH RELEASED NEAR NEWCASTLE SCHOOLS SPARKS OUTRAGE IN CRAMINGTON COMMUNITY

In a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Brian Bosworth, a convicted sex offender, has been released from prison after serving only five years of a 12-year sentence. His release has raised serious concerns among parents and residents in Cramlington and Newcastle, especially given his current residence close to two schools in Newcastle's West End.

Bosworth, aged 56, was convicted of heinous crimes including the rape of a 12-year-old boy and four other indecent assaults on children. Despite the severity of his offenses, he was released early, largely due to a confidential probation report that painted a grim picture of ongoing risk. The report explicitly stated that Bosworth was “a clear, constant and significant risk to any child,” emphasizing the danger he posed to the community.

The probation officer’s assessment was unequivocal in its warning: “In my opinion he (Bosworth) will remain a clear, constant and significant risk to any child he is able to gain contact with. I believe him to be a great risk to the community.” However, despite these grave concerns, Bosworth was granted early release last November and is now living under supervision in the West End of Newcastle. His origins trace back to Cramlington, and he has shown no remorse for his crimes, which have left a lasting scar on his victims and their families.

Since his release, Bosworth has been observed spending his days drinking in local pubs with other inmates and wandering the streets of Newcastle. His presence in the community has caused alarm among residents, with many questioning the decision to release him so close to places frequented by children.

Chief Superintendent Chris Machell, the area commander for Newcastle, addressed the situation, stating, “We have been made aware of the campaign by the News of the World and the publication yesterday of an article about a man named Brian Bosworth. A full risk assessment has been carried out and at this moment we don’t see any reason to alter the current arrangements. However, if this situation changes, we will take immediate action.”

Despite official assurances, local parents remain deeply concerned. Susan Bone, a 32-year-old mother of three from the West End, expressed her fears: “You can’t help thinking they will re-offend. There are play parks, nurseries, and a few schools around here. I would like to think I could let my kids play out and get some exercise, but I’ll definitely think twice about it now.”

Another mother, Karen Walton, aged 36, voiced her frustration and called for stricter measures: “I think the laws need to be changed and paedophiles should be permanently tagged so police can keep track of them at all times. I have two children, and it makes you frightened to let them out knowing there are people like that around.”

Julie Fernyhough, 42, also expressed her disbelief: “I just can’t believe they’ve put him there. Surely they can find somewhere away from children.”

On the day of our report, Bosworth was seen in Newcastle heading to catch a Metro train to Wallsend, where he was observed mingling with shoppers at the town’s indoor market. Later, accompanied by two residents, he visited a video shop, taking a different route back that skirted past a school, raising further concerns about his movements and proximity to vulnerable children.

Bosworth is housed in a facility with 13 staff members responsible for overseeing around 19 offenders, 13 of whom have records for sex offenses. His criminal history includes admitting to five sex offenses, notably the rape and indecent assault of an eight-year-old boy, as well as indecent assaults on a 12-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. His crimes, committed in 1999, led to a 12-year prison sentence, and he was subsequently placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

His case has left a lasting impact on victims and their families. In August 2001, the mother of the youngest victim described the trauma her family endured, stating, “I feel my son never got the counselling he needed after the attack,” and blaming Bosworth for destroying her son’s life. She recounted how her son, after being bound and gagged by Bosworth, struggled with the emotional aftermath, becoming violent and withdrawn, which ultimately led her family to move away from the area. The mother also revealed that her son’s behaviour worsened over time, and he required ongoing professional support, which was difficult to access.

Her account underscores the devastating long-term effects of Bosworth’s crimes and highlights the ongoing fears within the community about the safety of children in the vicinity of known offenders. The controversy surrounding his early release continues to provoke debate about the adequacy of current laws and the measures in place to protect vulnerable populations from individuals like Brian Bosworth.