ADRIAN BROWERS FROM EXETER SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL
A convicted sex offender has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a young girl.Adrian Browers, 49, was classified as a high-risk paedophile when he appeared in court.
The offences, which took place five years prior, only came to light after the girl confided in her parents, prompting a police investigation, according to Devon Live.
The case was initially dropped, with no further action taken against Browers, who was then living in Exeter.
However, the investigation was reopened after Browers inadvertently revealed his involvement to a probation officer.
Subsequently, he pleaded guilty to four sexual offences involving the girl.
Browers, who was living in Taunton at the time of the offences before moving to Exeter, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court to four years and nine months in prison.
Due to the substantial risk he poses to children, an additional two years was added as part of an extended sentence.
Prosecutor Mr.
Ian Fenny explained that the offences occurred in 2017, during which Browers hugged, touched, and engaged in sexual conduct with the girl, as well as encouraging her to participate in sexual activities.
The abuse happened on at least three separate occasions, and there was evidence of grooming and planning involved, the court heard.
Browers was first arrested in 2018 but was not prosecuted at that time.
In August 2020, he was found with child abuse images on his computer and was handed a community order.
Investigations into his device also revealed a clear sexual interest in young girls.
Under a court-ordered supervision, Browers was assigned a probation officer and police offender manager.
During a meeting, he admitted to having sexual contact with a child, which led to the reopening of his case.
During proceedings, Browers unsuccessfully tried to exclude his confession from evidence.
Defence lawyer Mr.
Harry Ahuja stated that Browers was remorseful for his actions, noted he had not committed further offences, and had been compliant with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order issued in 2020.
Ahuja argued that the court should consider suspending the sentence to allow Browers to complete a sex offender treatment program.
Judge James Townsend commented that delays in the case were due to Browers's own failure to admit guilt earlier.
Describing the offences as "an appalling series of attacks on a vulnerable nine-year-old girl," the judge emphasized the courage it took for her to disclose her abuse.
"The impact of these attacks has been significant, and the long delay has worsened her suffering.
We can only hope she can move forward and heal," he said.
The judge further highlighted Browers's ongoing risk, stating, "You clearly demonstrate a sexual interest in young girls and are willing to act on those urges.
You continue to pose a danger to children.
A determinant sentence alone would not sufficiently address the unpredictable nature of this risk." Browers, of Heavitree Road, Exeter, was ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in prison before being eligible for release.
He will also serve the remainder of his extended sentence on license, sign the sex offender register, and be subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
