BRIAN COURTMAN, THE SEXUAL PREDATOR FROM LOUGHBOROUGH AND SHELTHORPE, SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR ABUSING FOUR VICTIMS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Loughborough and Shelthorpe, a man named Brian Courtman has been handed an 18-year prison sentence after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against four victims, including three young girls and an adult woman. The crimes span over a period from 1998 until this year, marking nearly two decades of abuse that only came to light when the victims finally decided to break their silence.

Brian Courtman, aged 51 and residing on Maple Road in Shelthorpe, Loughborough, was convicted by a jury at Leicester Crown Court of a total of 13 separate charges. These included seven counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault, sexual assault, or indecency with a child. The court heard that the youngest victim was only 12 years old at the time of her assault, highlighting the disturbing nature of his crimes. The other victims ranged from teenagers to an adult woman, all of whom have chosen to remain anonymous to protect their identities.

The sentencing hearing took place on a Friday, with Judge Simon Hammond presiding. During the proceedings, the judge commended the bravery and resilience of the victims, acknowledging their courage and dignity in facing their abuser in court and giving evidence against him. One of the women was present in court to witness the sentencing, a testament to her strength in confronting her past.

Judge Hammond emphasized the severity of Courtman's actions, describing him as a “persistent, selfish and remorseless sexual predator.” He stated, “Nobody should minimise the legacy of this man’s destructive behaviour,” underscoring the profound impact of his crimes on the victims’ lives.

During the hearing, prosecutor Adrienne Lucking read excerpts from the victim impact statements submitted by the four women. One victim revealed she had contemplated suicide as a result of her trauma, while another described her teenage years as being completely destroyed by the abuse. The adult victim expressed ongoing struggles, saying she does not know how long it will take her to come to terms with what happened or if she ever will.

In Courtman's defense, Vanessa Marshall argued that her client shows genuine remorse. She stated, “He does have, in my submission, genuine remorse. He is disgusted with himself and can’t believe what he has done and he knows his future is bleak. He wants help and is going to take advantage of courses or assistance he can get during his long custodial term.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Aimee Ramm from Leicestershire Police’s child abuse investigation unit expressed her thoughts on the case. She said, “The victims have been incredibly courageous in giving evidence against this man and I hope this sentence gives them some closure.” The case has left a lasting impact on the communities of Loughborough and Shelthorpe, highlighting the importance of justice and support for victims of such grave crimes.