SHOEBURY SEX OFFENDER BRAIN NEWMAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR PAST ABUSE AND COURT NO-SHOW

In a case that has spanned over two decades, Brain Newman, an 83-year-old sex offender from Shoebury, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences against children. The conviction follows a detailed trial at Southend Crown Court, where Newman faced eight counts of indecent assault on a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child. Despite his denial of all charges, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of these heinous crimes.

Newman’s criminal activities were committed over a period stretching from April 1993 to June 2015. His arrest was made on June 21, 2015, marking the beginning of a legal process that would span several years. The case took a dramatic turn when Newman, who resided at Centurion Close in Shoebury, failed to appear at Basildon Crown Court for his scheduled sentencing hearing on January 31. His absence prompted immediate concern, and authorities later located him at his home, where he explained that he lacked the financial means to travel to the court.

Following his failure to attend, Newman was taken into custody and brought before the court. During the hearing, he appeared frail, dressed in a blue blazer adorned with a military pin and badge, and was allowed to sit due to his health issues. He confirmed his identity and admitted to the charge of absconding from court, but did not contest the charges against him. Judge David Owen-Jones ordered Newman to be remanded in custody, emphasizing the inconvenience caused by his absence and warning that he faced a substantial prison sentence.

In his remarks, the judge highlighted the gravity of Newman’s actions, stating, “He put the court to incredible inconvenience and wasted a whole day of public money. Relatives of the complainants came to court, as did both counsel — having to return another case to mitigate on behalf of Mr Newman. He will remain in custody.” The judge further addressed Newman directly, asserting, “You failed to turn up. I am not going to trust you to turn up next time. You are going to prison, as you well know.”

Prior to his court no-show, Newman had been convicted of a series of sexual offences spanning from April 1993 to June 2015. These included ten counts of indecent assault, with some offences occurring when he was in his sixties and seventies, and others in his eighties. The court also found him guilty of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity during the same period. However, the jury acquitted him of two sexual assault charges and one indecent assault, leaving some charges unproven.

His sentencing is scheduled for February 17, where the court will determine the final penalty. Throughout the proceedings, Newman’s actions have been met with condemnation, and the victims’ bravery in coming forward has been acknowledged by investigators. Detective Tiffany Jennings, who led the investigation, expressed her sentiments after the sentencing, stating, “Newman has caused a horrendous amount of torment to his victims and their families over a period of several years. He has shown no remorse throughout the case and caused further anguish to his victims after failing to appear at court for sentencing, showing no regard for his actions or the criminal justice system. Newman’s victims have shown bravery by coming forward and speaking out against a predatory abuser who has been handed a significant custodial sentence.”