JOHN THOMAS BANNED FROM KEIGHLEY AND CULLINGWORTH SCHOOL BUS STOPS AFTER SEX OFFENDER ORDER

In August 2002, John Thomas, a known sex offender from Keighley, faced a court ruling that imposed strict restrictions on his movements following his previous conviction for indecent assault. The court, held at Bingley Magistrates Court, issued a lifelong Sex Offender Order against Thomas, prohibiting him from coming into contact with young girls and restricting his presence in certain public areas within Keighley and Cullingworth.

Thomas, aged 69 at the time, was convicted six years earlier of assaulting five 11-year-old girls. His criminal record includes a two-year prison sentence handed down in 1996 after he pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault. Since then, he has not faced any new charges, and he expressed a sense of relief about the conclusion of his legal issues, stating, “I’m just glad it’s all over and looking forward to getting on with my life.”

The recent court order was sought by West Yorkshire Police and was granted by District Judge (Magistrates Court) David Thomas. It mandates that Thomas must register with the police and adhere to a series of conditions designed to prevent any further contact with minors. Among these restrictions is a ban on entering specific areas, including parts of Keighley and Cullingworth, notably the vicinity of school bus stops.

Previously, in June, Thomas, who resides on Prospect Mount in Keighley, was warned to stay away from a school bus stop in Keighley after witnesses reported seeing him loitering near it. The case was adjourned to the following month, during which Thomas was bound over to maintain peace. The terms of the order explicitly prohibit him from visiting locations such as Crossroads in Keighley and areas within Cullingworth.

During the June hearing, Thomas’s solicitor, John Holden, assured the court that his client would voluntarily comply with the restrictions imposed. Despite his criminal past, Thomas has maintained that he intends to abide by the law and the court’s directives, emphasizing his desire to move forward with his life without further incident.