KEIGHLEY SEX OFFENDER MATTHEW WILDE DRIVES DISABLED CHILDREN IN BRADFORD AREA

In March 2003, a disturbing incident emerged involving a convicted sex offender, Matthew Wilde, who was found to have been driving disabled children to school in the Bradford area, specifically around Keighley. Wilde, who had previously changed his name from Leslie Howard by deed poll in 1994, was employed as a driver for a subcontracted minibus service that was tasked with transporting vulnerable children. Despite his criminal past, Wilde admitted to having a prior conviction for a sex offence but insisted that the children in his care were never in any danger, emphasizing that an escort was present with the children at all times during the journeys.

Following the revelation, Bradford Council and Metro, the organization responsible for public transportation in the region, swiftly took action. They ordered Bronte Travel Minibuses, the company involved, to cease employing Wilde as a driver. Additionally, the authorities requested that the Traffic Commissioner revoke Wilde’s passenger vehicle license, citing concerns over safety and the potential risk to children.

Wilde, 63 years old at the time, claimed that he had only driven a few times for the welfare transport service. He maintained that he posed no threat to the children and that he had already paid his debt to society. He explained that he was taken to court in 1991 for a sex offence alleged to have occurred in 1978, which resulted in an 18-month prison sentence. Wilde also stated that he had changed his name on the advice of a solicitor due to ongoing issues related to his past. He further claimed that he was never asked about his criminal record when he applied for his driving license.

Mohammed Rashid, owner of Bronte Travel Minibuses based in Keighley, clarified that Wilde was not formally employed by his company. Instead, Wilde had offered to help out voluntarily and had not received any payment for his assistance. Rashid expressed his shock upon learning of Wilde’s criminal history, stating, “I knew he had changed his name but did not know he had a conviction for a sex offence.” Rashid recounted that Wilde was already working as a licensed taxi driver when he joined the company, left after a couple of years, and then returned to help with cleaning and other tasks. Rashid emphasized that the contract was very temporary and that his company was reputable. He also noted that they did not have the means to check criminal records directly but was open to working with authorities to improve safety measures.

Regulations stipulate that drivers must declare any convictions when applying for licenses, but routine renewal processes do not typically require criminal background checks unless circumstances change, such as reaching a certain age. The Traffic Commissioners have the authority to hold hearings and request drivers to attend if serious concerns are raised about their suitability.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson from Education Bradford stated that the responsibility for replacing the driver fell to the council and Metro, and that they were not directly involved in the employment process. A council representative confirmed that the driver was accompanied on all journeys by an escort with Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance. Once the authorities learned of Wilde’s past, an internal investigation was launched, and Metro instructed the contracted company to stop using him immediately. Because Wilde’s offences predated 1997, he was not listed on the Sex Offenders Register, complicating the detection process.

Bradford Council has formally requested that the Traffic Commissioner revoke Wilde’s passenger vehicle license. The council also highlighted ongoing efforts to implement mandatory CRB checks for all staff involved in transporting vulnerable children, even if it temporarily affects service availability due to driver shortages. The safety of children remains a top priority, and authorities are committed to tightening screening procedures.

Information about Wilde’s involvement in welfare transport was shared with a member of the education scrutiny committee by a GMB shop steward with 17 years of experience in the service. Councillor John Briggs expressed outrage on behalf of other bus drivers, demanding assurances that safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable children. Mark Pattison, head of Education Bradford, assured the committee that health and safety protocols, including recruitment checks, are now more robust than ever before.

Furthermore, Bart Booth presented signed statements from three individuals alleging that Wilde had driven children to and from school between January 7 and 29. Booth emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “This is very, very serious and I am really concerned about it.”

Labour spokesperson for social services, Councillor Dave Green, voiced ongoing concerns about the welfare transport services and the use of contractors. He stressed the importance of criminal record checks for all staff working with vulnerable populations, underscoring the need for swift resolution to ensure safety and public confidence in the system.