East London Bus Driver Caught Grooming Boys with Gifts
Ronald Neill, 57, of Romford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday. The bus driver received eight months’ imprisonment—suspended for 18 months—after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children.
How the Case Unfolded
Police launched their probe after a concerned parent reported a personalised gift given to their son by Neill. The 15 August tip-off revealed the bus driver was offering football memorabilia to boys in exchange for photos—although those images were not indecent.
Further investigation uncovered print-outs of indecent child images at Neill’s home. He was arrested on 17 August and admitted downloading and making the illegal images. Officers later found even more disturbing content rated category A and B (the worst levels of abuse) on his devices.
Grooming and Sexual Harm Prevention Order
- Neill asked boys for their names during bus rides.
- He handed out personalised gifts to build trust.
- He pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent images.
- The court slapped him with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Dec Wilson of the Modern Slavery Child Exploitation team said, “Neill admitted to a sexual interest in children while working in a role with regular contact with young people. Buying gifts was a clear sign of grooming.”
Wilson added, “Thanks to families who reported Neill’s behaviour. The sexual harm order he must follow is a vital step to prevent further offences.”
Police Urge Parents to Come Forward
Anyone who knows of recent contact with Neill or has concerns about gifts from him is asked to contact the Met’s Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation team on 101, quoting Operation Foundation.
