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Villagers fear paedophile’s return
7:44pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
Comments (55)A father is furious a paedophile convicted of abusing his son has been cleared to return to his home village.
Thomas Brant, 51, is to be released within days after serving half of a four-and-a-half year prison sentence for two charges of indecency with a child and five charges of indecent assault on a male person.
His return to the home he shared with his wife in Westfield Road, Benson, has been approved by officials but the victim's father is worried as his son lives nearby.
Some neighbours in the close-knit village said they believed the sex offender - a former parish councillor who helped organise village playschemes - was returning as early as tomorrow.
The father of Brant's young victim, who cannot be named, said villagers needed to be aware.
He said: "He should have been castrated, chucked into jail and the keys thrown away. He got four-and-a-half years, but is out in two years and that's not nearly enough.
"I'm very distressed that he is out at all, but I think it's a scandal that he's back in Benson."
The Oxford Mail understands Brant will be released from prison on licence within days As a convicted paedophile Brant - who denied the charges but was convicted by a jury at Oxford Crown Court - must report to police within three days of his release and sign the sex offenders' register for life.
Some local mothers outside Benson Primary School said they were shocked they had not been told.
Neighbour and mother- of-three Janice Holmes, 44, of Blacklands Road, said: "He's going to live right opposite me and just 100 yards from a park. My kids are at the age when I should let them go on their own but I won't now."
Mother-of-two Natalie Forgey, of the Westfield Road area, said: "It's shocking - it's not as if he even served his full time in jail."
However, another villager said: "Tom was the life and soul of the party and did an enormous amount for this village.
"Like many others I was bewildered when he was convicted - I just couldn't believe it. But he has served his time and should be alone left to get on with his life."
Brant was chairman of Benson Area Play Scheme and once ran the village fun run in a dress, black stockings, make-up and a wig.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Probation Service said: "When someone is deemed to be safe to be released back into the community there is always a robust risk management scheme in place and a multi-agency public protection arrangement."
Benson Junior School headteacher Linda Neely said she is to speak to the governors and Oxfordshire County Council but could not say if warnings would be sent to parents.
Your Say YourOxford Mail
Judge Dredd, Moon says...
8:30pm Wed 14 May 08
nice moustache, says...
12:25am Thu 15 May 08
Ricky, oxford says...
12:39am Thu 15 May 08
alan page, says...
12:54am Thu 15 May 08
It is ridiculous to move him back, having now publicly announced his return in the local media.
He needs to be put elsewhere where he doesnt have traumatic associations for others.
reincarnated, oxon says...
2:20am Thu 15 May 08
alan page wrote:like six foot under??
I would have thought, for his own safety, he would choose to go somewhere else and make a fresh start. It is ridiculous to move him back, having now publicly announced his return in the local media. He needs to be put elsewhere where he doesnt have traumatic associations for others.
A Brant, benson says...
7:52am Thu 15 May 08
Bob Howse, Benson Watchtower says...
10:05am Thu 15 May 08
Me.., Oxford says...
10:24am Thu 15 May 08
A Brant wrote:The paper has printed that there were 2 victims, 1 child and a male person.
I wish you papers would get your facts right before printing anything,i would like you to know the so called victim is actually a 27 year old man, this is a historical case and your just all scaremongering.
alan page, says...
10:58am Thu 15 May 08
Bob Howse wrote:What trouble exactly?
What the hell does Yvonne care-saying he cant live there-when SHE lives in USA? IF the father does anything to this man-that reduces him to the same level-however evil these crimes are-he has paid his debt and is allowed to live where he likes. And as for Alan(i've got nothing better to do)Page-even he has deserted Oxford and lives in Guildford-well away from the trouble he causes. Remember that vigilantism is a crime.
I have simply said that for his own sake (and that of his victim)he should move elsewhere. Hardly controversial.
If the residents of Benson are mature enough to want him back and won't harass or terrorise him then fine, but I think the victims feelings should be taken into consideration as well.
If, in regards to my causing trouble, you are talking about the junkies on here propogating odious lies and myths and my standing up to those degenerate lying bastards, well drugs are NOT a local issue but a national one.
I have every right to comment on it.
The reason I "deserted" Oxford was purely financial,to live on a minimum wage is impossible there.
Still as Oxford appears to be a domain for small minded racist drug abusers, I can't say my move hasn't been beneficial.
Bob Howse, 426-498 says...
11:18am Thu 15 May 08
alan page, says...
11:31am Thu 15 May 08
Bob Howse wrote:Hounded out? Fantasy can no farther go!!
You didnt desert-you were hounded out-go and live in Chiddingfold-they'll love you there-and stop using double negatives
Please explain further, I love a good fairy tale.
No, it was simply a question of working nights for 5 years to support a landlord wasnt my idea of fun and so I got a transfer.
So please do tell me more about this hounding out business as I appear to have missed out on it.
alan page, says...
11:34am Thu 15 May 08
Bob Howse wrote:Er... no. I got a transfer because 5 years of working nights to support a landlord lost its appeal.
You didnt desert-you were hounded out-go and live in Chiddingfold-they\'ll love you there-and stop using double negatives
I think you are fantasising a little there Bobby boy.
I wonder why?
Constable Hammer, On Patrol says...
12:07pm Thu 15 May 08
The fact is that, as a convicted criminal, Brant's human rights will always come before yours.
Get used to it, or get rid of NuLabour and its hordes of PC apologist commissars.
Constable Hammer, On Patrol says...
12:07pm Thu 15 May 08
The fact is that, as a convicted criminal, Brant's human rights will always come before yours.
Get used to it, or get rid of NuLabour and its hordes of PC apologist commissars.
A Brant, benson says...
12:30pm Thu 15 May 08
Rodney Stonmeister, UK says...
1:03pm Thu 15 May 08
l west, benson says...
1:28pm Thu 15 May 08
A Brant wrote:I have lived in benson all my life(35 years)This IS a historical case.I happen to think that Tom is innocent.
yes a 27 year old MAN and a 29 year old MAN so i don't consider these as children, as i said before this is a historical case.
yvonne, USA says...
2:11pm Thu 15 May 08
The Lord, Benson says...
3:57pm Thu 15 May 08
Apart from his testicles should have been bar-b-que'd upon hearing the verdict - REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT'S A HISTORICAL CASE OR NOT!!!
?????, says...
4:21pm Thu 15 May 08
rose benson, benson says...
6:45pm Thu 15 May 08
tom has every right to live here, close to his FRIENDS and FAMILY, so just let him get on with his life, and look out for the drug pushers, they are more of a danger to your children than Tom will ever be!!!!!!
The Lord, Benson says...
10:53pm Thu 15 May 08
The Lord, Benson says...
11:06pm Thu 15 May 08
????? wrote:Sorry, but a Nonce in my village does concern me a great deal. As for A. Brant would it still make a difference if the victim was 100???
most of the comments on here r **** people should mind there own business and deal with there own lifes and stop getting involed with things that dont concent them
alan page, says...
12:10am Fri 16 May 08
The Lord wrote:So now he's guilty of murder as well.
Rose, try telling that to the Victims father eh? Regardless of who his friends are, he is a convicted NONCE, Kiddy Fiddler, Peodophile etc. Get used to it. Your comments say to me that you condone what he did - regardless of when it was. look at the case in Jersey. years ago, so do you condone that as well eh?!
I really do not see how you make such a bizzarre leap.
What about convicted drug dealers? Would you react the same way? If not why not?
The Lord, Benson says...
8:38am Fri 16 May 08
alan page, says...
9:23am Fri 16 May 08
The Lord wrote:And convicted drug dealers?
Alan Page...My comments and the point I was trying to make did not come across very well, I agree. The point I was trying to make was just because the bloke has apparently arranged a few play groups and is a friend doesn't make it alright does it, and by backing him up as she does, it's as though she's trying to condone his actions. The Jersey case was not the best example I could have given I agree
If you allow such people room in Benson then you are condoning their actions as well.
Would you raise a similar stink? If not, why not?
alan page, says...
9:26am Fri 16 May 08
Ricky wrote:Shame you don't feel the same way about drug dealers isn't it?
would have thought life in the village for him will be hell!if hes forced to move could the mail let us know where he is or a photo ?
I wonder why?
Hollybell, Oxfordshire says...
10:49am Fri 16 May 08
There is no doubt he will have to move, i feel no pity for him, but the innocents in his family will also be targeted due to this information being printed and it's them i feel sorry for.
Hollybell, Oxfordshire says...
11:13am Fri 16 May 08
For his familys sake i do not feel all these details should have been published and the people of Benson should consider that his family have already been destroyed knowing what he has done and there actions and comments will directly affect them. My personal feelings on pedophiles is that they should face life imprisonment and castration including this man. But do not forget that in attacking this man,his home, will also affect his family, victims and the innocents surrounding him.
concerned mother, benson says...
8:27pm Fri 16 May 08
The Lord, Benson says...
8:40pm Fri 16 May 08
concerned mother wrote:You, are absolutly spot on. Good shout!
felt i had 2 put a comment on after reading some of this. wether it was an historic case or not it was still abuse they werent 27 &29 when this happened were they? as for the lady who said if we dont like it move why should we we havent commited a crime i wonder if shed be so charitable if a convicted child abuser she wasnt friends with moved in next door to her as a mother of three sons i have a right to be concerned
The Lord, Benson says...
8:49pm Fri 16 May 08
alan page wrote:Alan...What is it with you and drug dealers eh? I agree, drugs and their dealers are intolerable, yes, I agree, but we're on about a Nonce and a peodophile here. Anything that puts a blot against the good name of our village is inexcusable regardless of what that is
The Lord wrote: Alan Page...My comments and the point I was trying to make did not come across very well, I agree. The point I was trying to make was just because the bloke has apparently arranged a few play groups and is a friend doesn't make it alright does it, and by backing him up as she does, it's as though she's trying to condone his actions. The Jersey case was not the best example I could have given I agreeAnd convicted drug dealers? If you allow such people room in Benson then you are condoning their actions as well. Would you raise a similar stink? If not, why not?
Linda, benson says...
8:20pm Sat 17 May 08
the point is that this man abused what were children at the time.he should not be allowed to return to benson. what he did was wrong, yes he did his time in prison but he is a paedophiles - incurable - that has been proven. who cares what happens to him. he couldnt keep his hands off of young boys. dirty disgusting ****. if i see him i wouldn't **** him if he was on fire. i just hope he keeps his hands to himself and leaves his grandchildren alone.
New Mother, Benson says...
11:43pm Sat 17 May 08
westfield rd resident, benson says...
12:04am Sun 18 May 08
mum of 3, benson says...
9:17am Sun 18 May 08
neigbour & mother of 3, Benson says...
10:17am Mon 19 May 08
Benson Resident, says...
2:00pm Mon 19 May 08
l west wrote:If your the L.West i think you are you have three girls!!! don't think you would be saying exactly that if you had three boys instead! The man is sick end of!! & the people that are sticking up for this person must be tapped as well.
A Brant wrote: yes a 27 year old MAN and a 29 year old MAN so i don\\\'t consider these as children, as i said before this is a historical case.I have lived in benson all my life(35 years)This IS a historical case.I happen to think that Tom is innocent.
Benson Resident, says...
2:02pm Mon 19 May 08
Benson Resident, says...
2:30pm Mon 19 May 08
A Brant wrote:Yes & after getting away for it for so long he got what he deserved.
yes a 27 year old MAN and a 29 year old MAN so i don't consider these as children, as i said before this is a historical case.
Unfortunatly not long enough!
The Lord, Benson says...
4:54pm Mon 19 May 08
l west, benson says...
6:05pm Mon 19 May 08
The Lord, Benson says...
8:56pm Mon 19 May 08
l west wrote:See post above. Very true indeed
Does anyone know if it's true about his relative moving away?.
Mrs Maureen Payne, Chinnor says...
3:11pm Fri 23 May 08
Mrs Maureen Payne, Chinnor says...
11:31pm Fri 23 May 08
The Lord, Benson says...
12:31am Sat 24 May 08
Mrs Maureen Payne wrote:What a load of poppy ****
Yes I do know about whether it's true about his relative moving away or not & I don't actually think it's any of your businesses what the members of this family do & just to allay any of your rumours nothing has changed as to the member of the family concerned being 100% behind Tommy being innocent as always. If any of you wanted to do anything useful you could stop the bullying of the children of other family members children at school, I hope none of you perfect people get accused of something you haven't actually done as the law of this country requires people to plead guilty even if innocent to get a lighter sentence - If that person is adamant that they cannot plead guilty for something they haven't done then they will get a longer sentence if the other parties involved can fabricate enough 'brown stuff left around by cattle' to make it impossible for a judge or jury to decipher what is the truth! Doesn't anyone think that a couple of people who have been friends for years could have made this all up just to get victim compensation money from the government without a thought for who may get hurt in the process?
Darren Hadland, Didcot says...
6:48pm Thu 29 May 08
Concerned Neighbour!, Benson says...
9:59am Fri 30 May 08
Mrs Maureen Payne wrote:You are just as sick as they are! your all twisted!
Yes I do know about whether it\'s true about his relative moving away or not & I don\'t actually think it\'s any of your businesses what the members of this family do & just to allay any of your rumours nothing has changed as to the member of the family concerned being 100% behind Tommy being innocent as always. If any of you wanted to do anything useful you could stop the bullying of the children of other family members children at school, I hope none of you perfect people get accused of something you haven\'t actually done as the law of this country requires people to plead guilty even if innocent to get a lighter sentence - If that person is adamant that they cannot plead guilty for something they haven\'t done then they will get a longer sentence if the other parties involved can fabricate enough \'brown stuff left around by cattle\' to make it impossible for a judge or jury to decipher what is the truth! Doesn\'t anyone think that a couple of people who have been friends for years could have made this all up just to get victim compensation money from the government without a thought for who may get hurt in the process?
If you are such a good friend to Tommy then you would have been in court when he admitted to all he had done! all the sick twisted things that he inflicted on 2 innocent people! And there just the 2 that came forward god knows theres probably more out there!
And as for the 2 victims being friends.... i happen to know one of them and these 2 hadn't been friends for yrs, because of Tommy they had fallen out! And as for them doing it for the money thats b***shi*, all they money in the world couldn't take away the bad memories that tommy has left them with! you need to get a life lady your sad!!! And does anyone not find it strange that all these supposed "good deeds" he did for the village all involved young children, Scamps, Fundays!!!
AND as for his family being victims Kathy is just as sick as he is, she knew all along what was going on under her own roof, and she let it happen! And Anne-Marie well i just hope your dad stays away from your three sons!! how can you stand by him??? the whole family should just move away there not wanted in Benson, why should innocent people have to move away when he's the evil,sick, f***ed up PEADOPHILE!!!!
i hope he gets whats coming to him!
another concerned neighbour, Benson says...
1:56pm Fri 30 May 08
And as for the comments about neighbours moving if they don't like it...well why should we! we're not the convicted peadophiles he is! They should have thrown away the key!
i would like to know what has happened to all these people who were full of threats and promising to chase him out of the village???? it's all mouth! i have seen the way people are around him they just ignore him or smile....it's sickening we should be telling this guy exactly what we think not cowering away. Yeh so he has served 2 yrs out of the 4yr sentence but that doesn't mean he's paid for what he has done, people like him never change. if they think locking him up has cure him they are wrong??
What happened to local people standing together...we should all be trying to get this man away..........
Anon, Benson says...
10:00pm Sun 15 Jun 08
Anon Neighbour, Benson says...
10:29am Wed 18 Jun 08
To all you neighbours at Westfield road that have welcomed tommy back....your all sick twisted bas***ds! He didn't get sent to Prison for 4 yrs for no reason! They had evidence!!!!!!!!!
lets just hope he doesn't do anything with your sons or grandsons hey??????????
Benson Resident, says...
6:10pm Sat 21 Jun 08
Anon Neighbour wrote:I totally agree with everything you say about Tom Brant just to get that straight!!
I completely agree \'anon\' Benson is full of hypocrits! I am ashamed that the people of Benson have allowed this creep to jump straight back into his old life as if nothing happened! i see the sick t*** everyday walking around without a care in the world, while i am left feeling uncomfortable and awkward in my own home! To all you neighbours at Westfield road that have welcomed tommy back....your all sick twisted bas***ds! He didn\'t get sent to Prison for 4 yrs for no reason! They had evidence!!!!!!!!! lets just hope he doesn\'t do anything with your sons or grandsons hey??????????
But you said i quote "I completely agree 'anon' Benson is full of hypocrits! I am ashamed that the people of Benson have allowed this creep to jump straight back into his old life as if nothing happened! i see the sick t*** everyday walking around without a care in the world, while i am left feeling uncomfortable and awkward in my own home!"
YOU obviously live in Benson as well so what have you actually done about it then???? or are you a Benson hypocrit as well!
Benson Resident, says...
2:49pm Tue 5 Aug 08
And did i feel bad for him when he had his window smashed in the other night? DID I B*****S. I did find it funny the fact the police only took 30 seconds to arrive and arrest the culprit, theres something wrong in todays society when the police go out of there way to protect a man like this, i wonder how long the police would have taken if we were being burgled?
Iv not lived in benson long and i havent listened to the gossip etc thats being going around, all i need to know is he was convicted. He IS a peadophile and my kids wont be going anywhere near this man and God help him if he ever comes near them.
And as for you people who think he should move away, are you mad, send him to an unsuspecting village with a new identity where no one knows what hes done so he can prey on new victims. Hell no, at least we know hes a peadophile, someone to avoid and protect our children from.
Jai, Benson says...
2:22pm Thu 21 Aug 08
You are right "Benson Resident" the police were there in a flash..apparently they have 15 minutes to be at his address after an incident.i was disgusted when an officer told me this and that if it had been any other house on the estate they would have left it and called round the next morning to take a statement...WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR POLICE SYSTEM!!!!!!
i think the person that brocked the window deserves a pat on the back... afterall he's the only one whos carried through with his threat!!!
I just hope people in benson stop giving this man an easy ride....have people forgotten what he has done?! Maybe people shouldn't be so narrow minded and listen to the cold hard truth...Tommy Brant is a peadohile, he was put away for 4yrs...he was charged because there WAS evidence..when will you sad do gooders wake up!!!!
Thomas Brant
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yvonne, usa says...
8:07pm Wed 14 May 08