MICHAEL PEDLEY BANNED FROM BOSCOMBE SCHOOLS AFTER PAST OFFENSES AND STALKING BEHAVIOR

In April 2006, authorities took decisive action to restrict the movements and interactions of Michael Pedley, a convicted paedophile residing in Boscombe, Bournemouth. The move came after concerns were raised about his recent behavior, which included stalking paper boys and loitering near local schools, prompting fears that he might reoffend.

Pedley, aged 53, has a long history of sexual offenses against minors, with convictions dating back to 1979. His criminal record includes a probation sentence for indecent assault on a nine-year-old boy and a three-year imprisonment in 1997 for molesting a 13-year-old boy. These past offenses have contributed to ongoing community fears about his presence and activities in the area.

Following reports from Dorset Police, social services, and other agencies, a comprehensive multi-agency review concluded that there was a 'very high risk' that Pedley could commit further offenses. As a result, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was issued against him at Bournemouth Magistrates Court, marking a significant step in community safeguarding efforts.

The court order explicitly prohibits Pedley from engaging in any form of communication with children under the age of 16, whether in writing, verbally, or electronically. It also bans him from being in the company of any minors under 16, entering schools or educational facilities, or loitering within specified distances—200 meters of a school and 100 meters of a children’s play area. The order further restricts him from stalking children, allowing only incidental following while walking in the same direction.

Authorities emphasized that these restrictions are civil measures aimed at preventing future harm. However, they warned that any breach of the order could lead to criminal charges, with the potential for imprisonment of up to five years. A police spokesperson stated, 'Michael Pedley was someone that caused a great deal of concern, due to both his past offending history and also his current activities. It was therefore felt that the best way to protect all children was to place restrictions on the private life of Mr. Pedley through a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).'

Pedley's criminal history includes a 1979 conviction for indecent assault on a nine-year-old boy, for which he was placed on probation for two years. His subsequent conviction in 1997 for molesting a 13-year-old boy resulted in a three-year prison sentence. The recent court order aims to mitigate the risk of reoffending and safeguard the community, particularly children in the Boscombe area where he resides.