SURVIVORS of paedophile Stephen Pearson’s crimes have spoken of their fear of bumping into him on the streets following his release from prison after nine months.

Pearson, 29, was convicted by a jury last year of multiple counts of grooming and assaulting six youths aged between 13 and 16, between February 2013 and August 2014.

Formerly of Drumry Road, Pearson was put on the sex offenders register indefinitely after exploiting his work with horses and animal-loving youngsters at Willie Logan’s Farm (also known as Cochno Town Farm), at Cleddans Farm and at Braidfield Farm, all Clydebank, to get close to the teenagers in person and through social media.

But he was released after nine months, days before Christmas, and his survivors are now terrified of seeing him on the streets of Clydebank.

Only one of the six young people was given the opportunity to comment ahead of Pearson’s release because of the current guidelines and she said she feels ignored.

One survivor told the Post she has been informed Pearson has been seen at a number of locations in Clydebank, including Braidfield Farm, where offences were committed.

Gil Paterson MSP confirmed he is investigating how the case was handled.

A Pearson survivor, now aged 17, said: “I am disgusted that he is allowed back into the vicinity of this area and totally sick to the stomach. I pass all these places on a regular basis, especially now that I’ve recently got my own car.

“I have not seen him, but I’m so scared to as I don’t think I can go through bringing back horrible memories which will certainly happen if I bump into him.

“I do not see it as acceptable for him to be back in the area carrying on with his life as if nothing ever happened.”

The young woman, who was 13 at the time Pearson assaulted her, said she asked the parole board to consider not letting him out, for her “own well being” and how it would affect her if she saw him.

She added: “I was hoping they would listen but I don’t think they did, otherwise he wouldn’t have been released just before Christmas. Being released just before Christmas sort of took away the excitement from the festive period as I knew he would be out enjoying himself which I hoped he wouldn’t be doing so soon.”

Another survivor told us: “The communication between police/prison and victim has been shocking. The fact we are victims of sexual assault and not knowing if or when our attacker is out of prison is extremely disappointing, especially when they suspected that he would return back to the area giving us no time at all to prepare ourselves.”

The Post understands Mr Paterson was approached by survivor families over the situation with Pearson.

He told the Post: “Last month, I raised these issues with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service as well as the Parole Board for Scotland and I am currently waiting on responses.”

Maurice Golden MSP said: “The priority here should always be the welfare of the victims. I understand there are rules to be followed, but all of them should have the right to be informed of the release.”

“They have already been through enough; they deserve to be properly informed. This is another example of the SNP’s soft touch Scotland where the victim comes second.”