BROOK BROTHERS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST VULNERABLE TEENAGE GIRL IN HUDDERSFIELD
In March 2014, brothers John and Christopher Brook were sentenced to prison for their involvement in sexually abusing a teenage girl with a low IQ in Huddersfield.John Brook, known as Mick, engaged in multiple sex offences with the girl, who was intellectually functioning at the level of an eight or nine-year-old.
He took indecent photographs of her on his phone and involved her in further sexual activities during visits to his home, where he would gift her items like a teddy bear purchased at car boot fairs to keep her compliant.
Prosecutor Sharon Beattie stated, “Her difficulties were clear to anyone.
He also told her he wanted others to have sex with her.” Additionally, John Brook shared the images he had taken with another man, who subsequently deleted them and refused to participate in the abuse.
Despite this, John confided in his brother Christopher about the incidents, and on two occasions, Christopher became involved in the offences before the girl disclosed the abuse to her mother.
John Brook, aged 61, of Warrenside, Deighton, admitted to six counts of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
He is also required to register as a sex offender for life.
Christopher Brook, aged 53 of Taylor Hill Road, Lockwood, was found guilty by a jury of three similar charges and received a seven-year prison term.
He, too, must register indefinitely as a sex offender.
Judge Christopher Batty remarked, “They had taken advantage of the girl’s low intellect.
At the time, she had no understanding that what they were doing was wrong, as it was part of her personality to be eager to please people.
That made her extremely vulnerable to abuse, particularly of a sexual nature.
With help and education, she now understands what happened, which has brought her the true extent of her ordeal.” The judge acknowledged that Christopher Brook had initially resisted his brother’s encouragement but eventually participated in sexual contact.
Representing John Brook, Caroline Wigin explained that he had been experiencing depression following the loss of his wife to cancer.
Robin Denny, representing Christopher Brook, stated that his client maintained his denial of the offences.
