SHREWSBURY SEX OFFENDER BRIAN LEARMONTH JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND INDECENT IMAGES

In October 2020, Brian Learmonth was found dead in his cell on a coronavirus isolation wing at Stafford prison in Staffordshire, marking a tragic end to a long history of criminal offenses. His death was confirmed on October 8, but his criminal activities and convictions had already cast a long shadow over the town of Shrewsbury and beyond.

Back in January 2015, Learmonth, then aged 59 and residing on Poynton Road in Shawbury, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including three counts of rape, one of indecent assault, and possession and distribution of indecent photographs. The court proceedings revealed that Learmonth had abused five girls over a period spanning from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s while living in Shrewsbury.

During the sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Learmonth was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. Additionally, if he were to be released from prison, he would be subject to a Sexual Offence Prevention Order, which would restrict any future contact with children. The victims, who had endured years of suffering before coming forward, were commended by law enforcement officials for their bravery. Detective Constable Sarah Smither from Shrewsbury CID expressed her appreciation for their courage, stating, “It has taken many years for Learmonth’s victims to contact the police. I would like to commend them for their courage in coming forward to report the offences to the police and for placing their trust in the judicial system. I hope today’s sentencing goes some way to helping his victims come to terms with what they have been through.”

Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, who led the investigation, emphasized the lengthy and diligent effort involved in bringing Learmonth to justice. “This has been a lengthy investigation, which took a huge amount of time and effort to get to the point where Learmonth has finally been brought to justice. We work closely with other agencies to ensure victims of sexual abuse are given all the support possible. I would like to reassure anyone who has been or is a victim of child abuse that they can contact the police, and they will be treated in a caring and sensitive manner. Together with our partner agencies, we will give them all the support we can and, where possible, prosecute those responsible.”

Law enforcement agencies also provided guidance for victims or those concerned about potential abuse, encouraging them to contact West Mercia Police at 101 or reach out to the Glade support service, which assists men, women, and children who have experienced rape or sexual assault in the Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire areas.

In a separate but related case in November 2014, Learmonth, then aged 64, appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court to admit to a series of serious sexual offenses. He confessed to making nearly 140,000 indecent images of children, including photographs of a six-year-old child dating back to 1989, with the most recent images created in February of that year. Learmonth also admitted to producing indecent films of children, possessing 166 extreme pornographic images depicting bestiality, and committing indecent assaults involving two children aged nine and ten, as well as a six-year-old. These offenses occurred between 1989 and 1991, with additional assaults in August 1989 and April 1990.

He faced 20 charges in total, including six counts of making indecent images, three counts of making indecent films, and multiple counts of indecent assault. Learmonth, who resided on Poynton Road in Shrewsbury, denied three charges related to distributing indecent images and one of indecent assault. Prosecutor Mr. Phillip Bradley indicated that the pleas were acceptable and that the court would consider the remaining charges as no further action would be taken.

It was also revealed that Learmonth had prior convictions for indecent assault and possession of indecent images. The court, presided over by Mr. Recorder Nicolas Cartwright, ordered reports to be prepared before sentencing and remanded Learmonth in custody. He was also informed that he would be required to sign the sex offenders register. The case was subsequently adjourned, leaving the community awaiting further legal proceedings and sentencing.