ANDREW BROWN SENTENCED IN NEWTON AYCLIFFE FOR CHESTING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN

In February 2019, a retired medical researcher from Newton Aycliffe was put on trial after police uncovered indecent images of children on his devices. The investigation, conducted in January last year, revealed that Andrew Brown, who lived alone at the time, had stored 624 illicit images, 19 of which were classified as the most severe category.

Prosecutor Chris Baker stated that the images depicted both male and female victims aged between five and 12, being sexually abused by adults. Evidence also indicated that Brown actively searched for such material online.

Brown admitted to possessing the images but claimed he could not remember downloading them. He explained to police that his involvement in fantasy chat room conversations pretending to be a young boy might have led to accidental downloads.

He also disclosed that he was taking medication for memory issues, which had a side effect of increasing his sexual urges.

The 65-year-old, of Lascelles Avenue, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images.

Representing Brown, solicitor John Turner explained that degenerative health conditions had led him to take medications with side effects that could cause reckless behavior. “He accepts entirely that is not an excuse and does not provide a reason why he did what he did,” Turner said.

He added that since his health had worsened, Brown’s medication had been changed and he was no longer on the previous drug. “Ongoing assessments suggest his condition will only deteriorate,” Turner noted. Despite this, he highlighted Brown’s lack of prior convictions, his good character, and his involvement in significant medical research, including praise from a Newcastle University article. The court received several strong character references.

Nevertheless, Turner acknowledged that Brown “does accept he has an unhealthy interest in children.”

Judge Jonathan Carroll addressed Brown directly, stating, “You engaged in looking for this material for about three years, with search terms indicating deliberate searches. I don’t accept it arose from accidental downloading during chat room activity. But, you have given some serious thought to your actions and accept you need help to come to terms with it and stop accessing it.”

The judge sentenced Brown to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, with the condition that he attends 30 probation-rehabilitation activity days. Additionally, he imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated that Brown register as a sex offender for the next ten years.