ANTHONY BREWSTER, FORMER CARETAKER IN KIDSGROVE, SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In May 2014, Anthony Brewster, a 64-year-old ex-school caretaker from Clough Hall School in Kidsgrove, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a decade of sexual abuse against three children. Brewster was described as having 'corrupted' his victims, all of whom experienced significant psychological trauma.

During the proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Mr. Phillips stated that Brewster had groomed the children before sexually abusing and raping them. He also threatened the victims to prevent them from reporting the abuse.

The case was prompted by an anonymous police complaint last year, which initially did not lead to charges. However, following additional victim statements, Brewster was arrested and charged.

Mr. Phillips recounted: “He told one of his victims, ‘Let’s play a game, Nobody needs to know’. He told another, ‘There’ll be lots of problems if you say anything’. He raped her about three times. No contraception was used.”

Brewster, who had no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including eight counts of indecent assault; ten counts of indecency with a child; three counts of assault on a child under 13 by penetration; rape of a child under 13; three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity; four counts of attempted rape; four counts of indecent assault on a male; and three counts of rape.

Stuart Muldoon, representing Brewster, noted that his guilty pleas spared the victims from the ordeal of giving evidence. He added: “He knows his punishment is nothing compared to the suffering of the victims.”

Judge Paul Glenn addressed the court before sentencing, stating: “All three victims have suffered significant psychological abuse as a result of what you did. The aggravating features are there were three victims, the frequency of the abuse, the predatory nature of your actions; there was grooming and threats to prevent them reporting what you did. You corrupted those children. You present a high risk of causing further serious harm and meet the criteria for a dangerous offender.”

Brewster will serve up to half of his sentence in prison, with the remainder on license. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for life and is barred from engaging in activities involving children and vulnerable adults.