PAUL BARTLETT FROM PAIGNTON INVOLVED IN SEX OFFENCES ON SCHOOL BUS IN DEVON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Paignton and the wider Devon area, Paul Bartlett, a school bus driver with a troubling history, was found guilty of indecently assaulting three young girls while on duty. Despite his past convictions and being listed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, Bartlett continued to work as a school bus driver, raising serious concerns about safeguarding and oversight.

According to court records, Bartlett, aged 36 and residing in Paignton, was involved in a series of assaults on children aged 11 and 12 during January and February of 2002. The incidents took place on his school bus, which was operated by Premier Coaches, a private company contracted to provide transportation services for a local school in the Devon area. The school itself cannot be named for legal reasons, but it was confirmed that the bus service was managed privately rather than through the local authority.

What makes this case particularly troubling is Bartlett’s prior history. In late 2001, he was cautioned for having unlawful sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl, an offense that led to his placement on the Sex Offenders’ Register. Despite this, he was still employed by Premier Coaches and was actively working on school routes in the region. The Devon County Council, which oversees transportation contracts, stated that it had terminated its agreement with Premier Coaches following the revelations, but emphasized that the route involved was not under its direct responsibility.

Following Bartlett’s conviction at Exeter Crown Court, he was remanded in custody. The court found him guilty of indecently assaulting two 12-year-old girls and an 11-year-old girl. The judge, Graham Cottle, decided against sentencing Bartlett to prison, opting instead for a program designed for sex offenders, citing his age and circumstances. This decision has sparked outrage among the victims’ families and the local community. One mother of a victim expressed her frustration outside the court, asking, “What sort of justice is this?”

Meanwhile, the company, Premier Coaches, claimed it was unaware of Bartlett’s previous caution at the time of his employment. Andrew Martin, a representative of the company, stated that they had suspended Bartlett after the school contacted them about the allegations. He also pointed out that the company was not informed by local authorities about Bartlett’s caution in 2001, highlighting a gap in communication and checks for private contractors. Mr. Martin explained, “There is no mechanism in place for private companies to carry out police checks,” and emphasized that the suspension was a precaution taken after the school raised concerns.

Devon County Council expressed dissatisfaction with how Premier Coaches handled the situation and confirmed that it had ended its contracts with the company. The council clarified that the route involved was not under its direct jurisdiction but acknowledged the serious failings in safeguarding procedures that allowed Bartlett to continue working despite his past convictions. This case has raised urgent questions about the effectiveness of vetting processes for private transportation providers and the protection of vulnerable children in the region.