A family steam train experience has justified their decision to hire a convicted paedophile to engage with children. Aberystwyth’s Vale of Rheidol railway employs Simon Reeves, a former music teacher who was twice sentenced for sexually assaulting primary school pupils.
In 2018, Simon Reeves was mandated to fulfil 120 hours of community service after he confessed to participating in sexual conduct with a minor in Scotland. The subsequent year, the 46-year-old was sentenced to 300 hours of community service for the abuse of four other females. Edinburgh Live stated that Simon Reeves had inappropriately touched four girls aged ten and younger while instructing music at a school.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a registered charity that provides “activities for the entire family” and a “stunning day out with children.” One of its attractions is a Polar Express experience inspired by the 2004 animated blockbuster featuring Tom Hanks. An anonymous client informed WalesOnline that they were “horrified” to discover Simon Reeves was worked at the heritage railway.
They asserted that Simon Reeves had been employed as a guard and driver on the Polar Express attraction. The railway stated that Reeves is a “diligent and valued” employee and is “not involved in the Polar Express event.” The representative did not reply when enquired whether Reeves had recently collaborated on the Polar Express.
The customer stated: “As a frequent patron of the attraction, I am appalled by the employment of Simon Reeves, as I am aware that he operates the small train in the Devil’s Bridge car park during the summer, interacting with children individually.” Undoubtedly, the corporation and Warner Brothers, who possess the rights to the Polar Express, ought to recognise the inappropriateness of employing this guy in proximity to youngsters.
In response the railway spokesman said: “The Vale of Rheidol railway takes all matters relating to safeguarding very seriously. We are aware of our employee’s previous history, which relates to a conviction that was spent prior to the start of their employment with us. Their role at the railway has been assessed thoroughly to ensure it does not place them in situations that could be a cause for concern. Throughout their time with us, they have been a diligent and valued member of staff, adhering to all company policies and safeguarding measures. They are not involved in the Polar Express event. We remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all our visitors and staff.”
Simon Reeves was previously employed to teach children how to play brass instruments at several primary schools. Edinburgh Live reported that Simon Reeves rubbed schoolgirls’ legs, backs and thighs as well as playing with their hair and making them sit on his knee while he taught them. In the 2019 case, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard the victims had believed Simon Reeves’ behaviour was “normal” at the time and that he was “just being friendly” by caressing them. But after one of the girls found out he had previously been prosecuted for a similar offence they decided to report him.
In the previous case Simon Reeves had admitted engaging in sexual activity with a young girl which led to him being placed on the sex offenders register for two years and handed 120 hours of unpaid work. The following year he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting four other young girls at a school. Simon Reeves was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work and was again placed on the sex offenders register for two years. A two-year supervision order was imposed barring him from being alone with children.
The Vale of Rheidol railway opened in 1902 to carry lead ore, timber and passengers. It is now a tourist attraction with narrow-gauge steam locomotives and vintage carriages that go from Aberystwyth to the Devil’s Bridge beauty spot on a 12-mile journey that takes around one hour in each direction. The Polar Express experience includes gifts to each passenger from a Santa Claus as well as song-and-dance routines featuring the film’s characters. Warner Brothers has been approached for comment.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.