A CONVICTED paedophile has been banned for life from contact with children - the first person in Dorset to receive such an order.

Former bus conductor Stephen Paul Welstead - aka Stephen Merrifield - has a history as a sexual predator of young boys.

Now Dorset Chief Constable, Martin Baker, has won a Sexual Offences Prevention Order against Welstead, 61, formerly of Friars Moors, Sturminster Newton, but currently on remand in Dorchester prison.

Giles Powell, prosecuting, told South Somerset Magistrates' Court the defendant had ingratiated himself with church groups and worn his bus conductor's uniform and used his toys and memorabilia to entice youngsters. Mr Powell said Welstead was the subject of an interim order banning him from contact with children under 16 in May but had twice breached it.

The defendant conceded he was a danger and there was a need for such an order, Mr Powell added.

Welstead must not speak, email, text or associate with anyone under 16. If he goes to church he must tell the person in charge he is a registered sex offender with a record of offences of against boys.

He is not allowed to wear any uniform or clothing adapted to look official or any military or public service insignia.

Welstead, formerly of Parkstone, was sentenced to nine years' jail at Winchester Crown Court in 1994 for indecent acts on young boys - a sentence later cut to seven years on appeal. He wore on old Hants and Dorset uniform throughout the trial. Welstead drove the Rossmore Flyer bus service in Poole at the time and was said to have given the boys free bus rides, money, drinks and cigarettes in return for sexual favours.

There were convictions in 1971 and 1972 for indecencies with young boys when he was a milkman.

First published: October 21