Sex offences music teacher Simon Reeves working at children's attraction in Wales

A disgraced music teacher convicted of sex offences against children while working at schools in East Lothian has been found to be working at a children’s Christmas attraction in Wales.

Simon Reeves admitted touching four youngsters on the legs and thighs while giving them trumpet lessons at a primary school in East Lothian in 2017. Reeves, now 51, also stroked the hair and back of his young victims during the music tuition classes and encouraged them to sit on his knee.

The girls all believed that Reeves' behaviour was “normal at the time” and that he was “just being friendly” when he began caressing them. But Reeves was reported to police after one victim discovered that he had been prosecuted for similar offending the previous year and had been placed on the sex offenders' register.

All four victims were just nine and 10 years old when Reeves targeted them during the school music lessons. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the sex offences at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was placed on supervision and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Reeves was also banned from having contact with children under 18 and his name was added to the sex offenders' register for two years when he appeared in court in 2019. The former music teacher, formerly of Leith, has now been caught working at a Christmas entertainment attraction for families in Wales.

A shocked member of the public discovered his past after spotting him working at the Vale of Rheidol Railway near Aberystwyth. The railway is a registered charity that offers “activities to suit all the family”. One of its activities is a Polar Express experience based on the 2004 animated film starring Tom Hanks.

Wales Online has reported that a customer, who wanted to remain anonymous, was left “horrified” to learn Reeves was employed at the heritage railway. They claimed that Reeves had been working as a guard and driver on the Polar Express ride. The railway responded by stating that Reeves was a “diligent and valued” employee and was “not involved in the Polar Express event”.

The customer said: “Surely the company and Warner Brothers, who [own the rights to] the Polar Express, should know better than to have this individual working around children.” A 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.”