GEORGE BRUCE THOMPSON'S SHOCKING RETURN TO ATHLONE AND EAST MAYO AREA

In January 1999, a disturbing case emerged involving George Bruce Thompson, a convicted paedophile who has recently reappeared in the rural regions of east Mayo, specifically in the Kilmovee area near Kilkelly. Thompson, aged 52, had previously been forced to leave Athlone after an incident at a premises where he was conducting computer lessons for young students. His return to the house in Sinolane, Kilmovee, has raised significant concern among local residents and authorities alike.

Thompson's history is marked by serious criminal offences. He served a three-year prison sentence for sexual offences committed in Britain, which included assaults on young boys. His criminal record reveals a pattern of sexual deviancy, with convictions for sexually assaulting two young brothers over an 18-month period, as well as admitting to multiple assaults on other minors, including a seven-year-old boy in May 1995 and a boy in 1994. When he was convicted and sentenced, Judge Kieran O’Connor described him as “a very sick man,” emphasizing the court’s duty to protect the public from such individuals.

Despite his criminal background, Thompson had integrated into the community in Kilmovee/Kilkelly in 1995, where he began offering computer tuition at his home. Initially, residents knew little about his past, although some suspicion was raised when he provided accommodation for young boys, claiming they were from Dublin and visiting on weekends. This behavior, coupled with his background, caused unease among some locals.

Following his release from prison last year, Thompson moved to Athlone, where he opened an Internet and computer training shop. His business attracted many young secondary school students seeking access to the Internet and private tutoring. However, after details of his criminal history were published in the Sunday World, his premises in Athlone were vandalized, prompting him to leave the area abruptly.

Currently, Thompson resides quietly in Kilmovee, with minimal contact with neighbors. Reports suggest that one of his main priorities is to carry out repairs and improvements to the house at Sinolane, which has fallen into some disrepair. Law enforcement authorities, including the Gardaí, have increased their presence in the area since his return. A Garda spokesperson confirmed that while they are monitoring the situation, Thompson is not wanted for any current offences.

In a related case from May 1996, the mother of a young boy who was sexually abused by Thompson called for a harsher sentence. She urged the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal the three-year sentence handed down to Thompson, describing it as “dreadful.” Fianna Fáil TD Mr. Ben Briscoe echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the severity of the case. Thompson had pleaded guilty to abusing four boys over an 18-year period, with prior convictions for indecent assault in England. Despite admitting to the offences, authorities noted that Thompson showed no remorse. The mother expressed ongoing concern for her son, who was just seven at the time of the abuse and is now nine, stating that her son remains emotionally disturbed. Thompson has been in custody since August 1995, and there is speculation that he could be released by Christmas, depending on legal proceedings.

Overall, the return of George Bruce Thompson to the east Mayo area has sparked alarm among residents and authorities, highlighting ongoing concerns about the safety and monitoring of convicted offenders within local communities.