SANTANDER HEALTHCARE BOSS STEPHEN BROOKS FROM SKETTY, SWANSEA, EXPOSED AS PREDATOR AND QUITS BANK

In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the community and the corporate world alike, Stephen Brooks, the regional director of health, education, and communities at Santander, has resigned from his position following the exposure of his disturbing past as a convicted paedophile. Brooks, who previously served as a vicar in Sketty, Swansea, was sentenced to four years in prison in 1994 after being convicted of carrying out 19 separate attacks on young boys during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Brooks’s heinous crimes were committed while he was working at St Paul’s Church in Sketty, Swansea. The court heard that his victims included boys who visited him at his home, and the abuse inflicted upon them had long-lasting effects. Eight of these victims reportedly suffered from mental health issues as a consequence of the abuse, with one victim, now 19 years old, revealing that he had turned to alcohol and had even attempted to take his own life. The court was told that Brooks was a man who appeared to be well-liked and held in high regard within the community, possessing a charismatic personality that made him seem approachable and trustworthy to children and adults alike.

Following the exposure of his past, Santander issued a statement expressing their shock and disappointment. The bank confirmed that they had taken immediate action upon learning of Brooks’s history, which included his resignation from the company. A spokesperson for Santander stated, “The employee has now resigned,” emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment. However, Brooks claimed that his employer was aware of his criminal past, asserting, “All employees have Criminal Records Bureau vetting done, as I did, which is held on a confidential HR file. This was the core of my discussion when I joined.” He expressed remorse for the harm caused, saying, “I deeply regret and apologise for the harm that I caused. I moved far away from the people I hurt and I have spent 20 years trying to do good and harm no one.”

Sources within Santander acknowledged that the company’s policy explicitly prohibits hiring individuals with unspent convictions. They admitted that in Brooks’s case, “the process was not applied correctly,” and recognized that employing him was a mistake. Brooks’s employment history since his release from prison includes roles such as Managing Director of Public Finance and Infrastructure at Santander, Group Head of Information Technology at D C Thomson & Co Ltd, Change Programme Director at Northern Rock, and Global Information Technology Infrastructure Services Director at Wood Group PLC.

Brooks’s criminal activities came to light in November 2013, when he was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court. Judge Martin Stephens condemned Brooks, stating, “You were destined for the highest position in the Church but you have caused immense harm and anguish.” The court was told that Brooks’s victims, who ranged in age, had suffered significant psychological trauma. One victim, who was 19 at the time of sentencing, recounted how he had turned to alcohol and had even attempted to end his life as a result of the abuse. The prosecution’s representative, Patrick Griffiths, described Brooks as a “very well-liked man held in high regard and possessing considerable charisma,” noting that his victims found him to be friendly and approachable, which made his betrayal even more devastating. The court heard that Brooks’s crimes involved sexual assaults on boys who visited him at his home in St Paul’s Church, Sketty, Swansea, revealing the disturbing double life he led during his years of abuse.