Convicted English paedo, 56, informs gardai of campervan tour of Ireland plan

THIS is the convicted paedo who is on a tour of Ireland in his campervan.

The Irish Sun can reveal Neil Wood, 56, from Knaresborough in the UK, called to Bray Garda station in June to inform officers that he intends to stay in Ireland for a three month period.

Once confirmed he was a convicted sex offender, Wood was then ordered to report to a Garda station each time he travelled to a new location.

Since then, he has stayed in different locations in the south west of the country and is now believed to be travelling in the west of the country.

Gardai have also been made aware of his campervan’s make, colour and registration details.

If he fails to notify Gardai of his whereabouts he will be arrested.

During his time here, he hasn’t come to the attention of investigators.

Police in the UK are also aware of his visit to Ireland.

One UK source said: “The convicted sex offender informed Gardai of his intention to tour around Ireland.

“He has completed his sentence in the UK but remains on the sex offenders register.

“Thankfully Gardai are aware that he is here and if he makes any advances towards young girls he will be immediately arrested.”

Before his visit to Ireland, Wood received a five year sentence in 2019 for engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

He also received a 15 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Following his conviction, Detective Rebecca Prentice from Harrowgate told how Wood had caused his victim “unimaginable distress and upset”.

The officer said: “The sentence handed to him reflects the seriousness of the offence he committed against an innocent child.

“I’m also pleased that the court saw fit to place him on the sex offenders register and impose a sexual harm prevention order on him.

“I would like to thank the victim for coming forward.

“I hope this result reassures and provides confidence to anyone who may have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it.”