Bus Driver Caught Grooming Kids with Gifts
Ronald Neill, 57, from Romford, has been handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children. The East London bus driver faced Snaresbrook Crown Court following his arrest earlier this month.
How the Police Nabbed Neill
The investigation kicked off on 15 August when a concerned parent reported a strange personalised gift their son received from a bus driver. Police traced the gift back to Neill, who was arrested on 17 August on suspicion of grooming.
Neill reportedly asked boys for their names and offered them personalised football memorabilia in exchange for photos. Although these photos weren’t indecent, police’s search of his home revealed shocking print-outs of abuse images.
Shocking Discovery and Charges
- Neill admitted to making and downloading indecent images of children in a police interview.
- Further images graded as category A and B — the highest severity — were found on his computer and phone.
- He was charged with four counts of making indecent images of children.
- He was slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order limiting his contact with children and internet use.
Police Warn Parents to Stay Alert
Detective Constable Dec Wilson: “Neill admitted to having a sexual interest in children while working a job that brought him into regular contact with young people. His gift-giving was a clear grooming tactic.”
“We thank the families who helped us build this case. Anyone who knows a child who had contact with Neill or received gifts should come forward.”
If you have information, contact the Met’s Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation team on 101, quoting Operation Foundation.
