DAVID BROWN FROM SOUTH MOULTON SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of South Molton and the wider North Devon area, David Redvers Brown, aged 53, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years following his conviction on multiple serious sexual offences involving two young girls. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, and have prompted a strong response from law enforcement and the judiciary.

Brown, who resides on Williamson Way in South Molton, was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court of committing a total of 15 sexual offences. These included six counts of rape, along with numerous other charges of indecent assault and indecency with a child. The court heard that the offences against the first victim, a girl under the age of 10 when the abuse began in the 1990s, had profoundly stolen her innocence. Brown was convicted of four indecent assaults and two offences of indecency with a child against her.

The second victim, a teenage girl under 16, was subjected to even more severe abuse. Brown was found guilty of three sexual offences and six counts of rape against her, with these crimes occurring within the last ten years. The judge, Philip Wassall, described the offences against her as extremely serious and, in one instance, deviant. He emphasized the emotional toll on the second victim, stating that she was clearly affected by what had happened and that her testimony was credible.

During the sentencing, Judge Wassall expressed his deep concern about the impact of Brown’s actions. He remarked that the first girl’s childhood and innocence had been taken away by grooming and abuse, and he described the offences against the second girl as even more grave. The judge highlighted the devastating effect these crimes had on the victims, noting how badly they had been affected and affirming their honesty in recounting their experiences.

Brown’s defence lawyer, Richard Crabb, argued that his client maintained his innocence and refused to accept the allegations. He told the court, “Until he’s prepared to open up and engage, he’s not going to have anything other than a lengthy prison sentence and he knows that’s the inevitable outcome.”

Following the conviction, Detective Constable Emma Baker, who led the investigation, commented on the significance of the sentence. She stated, “The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences committed and shows the courage of the victims in coming forward to give evidence in the case.” The case has underscored the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals in the community of South Molton and beyond.