BRIAN PARNELL FROM HARINGEY JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN SRI LANKA AND LONDON

In a significant case that highlights the reach of modern laws against sex tourism, Brian Parnell, a 66-year-old resident of Haringey in north London, has been sentenced to two years in prison for serious attempted indecency offences involving minors in Sri Lanka. This case marks one of the first convictions under newly enacted legislation that allows UK authorities to prosecute their citizens for crimes committed abroad.

Parnell's sentencing took place at Wood Green Crown Court in north London on a recent Wednesday, following his conviction on April 30th. The charges against him included attempting to incite a male under the age of 16 to engage in a serious sexual act, as well as committing an act of gross indecency. These allegations stemmed from a disturbing series of events that unfolded during a tour through South Asia in 2002, where Parnell was employed to accompany an opera company.

Prior to his departure from the United Kingdom, Parnell posted a highly inappropriate and graphic advertisement on an online messaging group called “Gay Teens of Sri Lanka.” In this message, he explicitly sought contact with a young Sri Lankan boy, raising serious concerns about his intentions. The Sri Lankan child protection authorities detected this advertisement, and an undercover officer, posing as a 15-year-old boy, initiated communication with Parnell.

During their exchanges, Parnell sent a series of sexually explicit messages along with obscene photographs, further implicating his intentions. The authorities in Sri Lanka confronted him, but due to jurisdictional limitations, they could not pursue charges against him in Sri Lanka itself. Instead, the case details were forwarded to the British High Commission in London. Subsequently, Parnell was arrested at his residence in London in March 2003.

In addition to his two-year prison sentence, the court ordered that Parnell be placed under a three-year extended license period. The judge also mandated the forfeiture of his computer equipment, which was used in the commission of the offences. Furthermore, Parnell will be registered on the Sex Offender Register, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing monitoring required to prevent future offences.