BRAIN AUSTIN PLYMOUTH PAEDOPHILE JAILED AGAIN AND BANNED FROM THE INTERNET
In a significant case that has once again brought to light the ongoing issue of child exploitation, Brian Austin, a 54-year-old resident of Plymouth, was sentenced to prison following his conviction on multiple charges related to indecent images of children.The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior and a deliberate attempt by Austin to deny his involvement, claiming police had planted evidence on his devices.
Authorities confiscated two laptops and an iPhone from Austin’s flat located on Devonport Road in Stoke during raids conducted in March and July of 2013.
These devices contained indecent images, which formed the basis of the charges against him.
Austin faced four counts of possession of indecent images and seven counts of distribution of such images.
Despite his protests and accusations that the police had fabricated evidence, a jury at Plymouth Crown Court, composed of ten women and two men, swiftly found him guilty of all but one count after deliberating for just over an hour on Wednesday, October 29.
During the sentencing, Recorder Andrew Langdon QC emphasized the severity of Austin’s actions, describing his continued perverted interest in underage boys.
The court was told that Austin had taken part in three online conversations in February 2013 via the messaging platform Kik, during which he sent indecent images of children.
These images ranged from level one to level four, with level five representing the most severe form of indecency.
Austin admitted during police interviews that he was sexually attracted to children but denied sending the images, claiming police had planted the evidence.
The court also heard that Austin had a prior conviction for engaging in sexual activities with boys under the age of 16, highlighting a troubling pattern of offending.
Detective Constable Sarah Rawlinson, the lead investigator, expressed her hope that the conviction would serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar behavior or attempt to lie to evade justice.
She reassured the court that all evidence was meticulously handled, stored in serial number bags, and accessed only by authorized personnel, ensuring the integrity of the case.
In terms of sentencing, Austin received a total of five years and six months in prison.
He was sentenced to one and a half years for three counts of possession and two years for five counts of distributing indecent images, with these sentences to run concurrently.
Additionally, the court imposed a consecutive sentence of three and a half years for two counts of distributing extreme images.
Austin was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £150.
Furthermore, he was banned from using the internet without police monitoring upon his release, reflecting the court’s concern over his continued access to online material that could facilitate further offending.
This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the importance of rigorous evidence handling and judicial proceedings in ensuring justice for victims and the community at large.
