Request for B&B owner who is a paedophile to be placed on the sex offenders’ register

Ten-year-old Stewart Carter was sexually assaulted by Gary Bloom in 1985, who was convicted last October but is now running a Bed and Breakfast in Scotland. Stewart believes Bloom should be on the sex offenders’ register to protect children. He contacted Police Scotland to inquire about restrictions on Bloom, who is already on the sex offenders’ register in Australia for life. Stewart reported Bloom’s crimes in 2019, leading to his arrest upon his return to Australia in 2021. Bloom admitted his wrongdoing during a recorded conversation with Stewart.

Stewart was sexually abused by Bloom, a former primary school teacher and swim coach. The offenses occurred over several months in the 1980s, but Stewart only reported them in 2019. The Australian police listened in on a conversation where Bloom admitted to the abuse. Bloom was arrested in Australia in 2021 and found guilty in January last year on three separate charges of indecent assault. However, his sentence was reduced to three years suspended, allowing him to return to Scotland where he runs a guest house in Aberdeen. Stewart has highlighted the lack of oversight on Bloom’s activities and wants to ensure children are protected from him.

The stress of reporting Bloom’s crimes took a toll on Stewart, who faced PTSD and unemployment during the trial. Despite Bloom being on the sex offenders’ register in Australia, Police Scotland confirmed he was not known to them. Bloom’s sentence was reduced to a suspended term, and he was allowed to leave for Scotland just before Christmas. An interview with Bloom’s wife revealed a dismissive attitude, stating that the offenses were from 39 years ago. Stewart’s efforts to hold Bloom accountable have raised concerns about gaps in monitoring child sex offenders across international borders.

Stewart’s decision to report Bloom’s crimes led to his arrest and conviction in Australia. Bloom’s return to Scotland raised concerns about his access to children as he runs a Bed and Breakfast. Stewart emphasized the importance of Bloom being on the sex offenders’ register in Scotland to prevent further harm to children. Despite the emotional toll of the trial, Stewart remains committed to advocating for the protection of vulnerable individuals. The case sheds light on the challenges in enforcing restrictions on convicted sex offenders who operate across different countries and jurisdictions.

The story of Stewart Carter’s abuse by Gary Bloom highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma and the need for robust systems to ensure the safety of children. Bloom’s ability to run a guest house in Scotland despite being a convicted child sex offender underscores gaps in international coordination in monitoring and managing such individuals. Stewart’s resilience in seeking justice and accountability for his abuser serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of sex offender registers and the need for enhanced measures to prevent reoffending and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.