EDWARD BREWER'S SHOCKING INTERNET CRIMES IN EXETER AND GUILDFORD REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Exeter and Guildford, Edward Brewer, a 31-year-old man with a background in physics from Exeter University, has faced serious allegations related to online sexual misconduct involving minors. Brewer, who was once training to become a teacher, was caught engaging in disturbing online activities that led to legal action and restrictions on his contact with children.

Back in 2008, Brewer's life took a dark turn when he admitted to making contact with a 12-year-old girl via the internet. During this illicit communication, he persuaded her to perform sexual acts in front of a webcam, while he did the same. This revelation came to light after police investigations uncovered a staggering 4,000 chat logs stored on his computer at his residence in Exeter. Authorities also found evidence that Brewer had contacted multiple schoolgirls in various chat rooms and had received explicit photographs from some of them.

Following his conviction, Brewer was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which severely restricted his ability to have unsupervised contact with children and limited his internet usage. The order was intended to prevent any further offending behavior and to protect potential victims. However, in a recent development, the restrictions were lifted by Judge Graham Cottle at Exeter Crown Court. The judge's decision came after Brewer completed an Internet Sex Offenders Treatment Programme and was reported to have made significant progress.

During the hearing, Mr. Gareth Evans, the prosecutor, presented a report from the treatment programme, which described Brewer in highly positive terms. The report assessed him as posing a low risk of re-offending, which influenced the court's decision. The police indicated that they had no substantial objections to discharging the order, and Judge Cottle concurred, stating that the evidence had been carefully considered and that there was no opposition to the application.

It is important to recall that in 2008, Brewer, then a trainee teacher from Guildford, Surrey, was found guilty of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity online. The court heard how he had contacted a 12-year-old girl, encouraging her to perform sexual acts on webcam, while he did the same. Brewer was ordered to attend a sex offenders’ programme and was required to sign the Sex Offenders Register. Despite his devout Christian beliefs and his involvement in helping others, his actions were deemed completely out of character by the court.

At that time, Brewer was 25 years old and was in training at Exeter University. The court was told that he exchanged increasingly explicit messages with the girl, who claimed to be 13, and that their online relationship became progressively sexual. The girl’s mother discovered some of Brewer’s sexual messages on the computer, prompting police intervention. The authorities found extensive evidence of his online misconduct, including the 4,000 chat logs at his Exeter residence. Brewer also admitted to contacting other teenage girls and receiving explicit photographs from them.

During the proceedings, Brewer’s defense, represented by Mr. Stephen Mooney, emphasized his strong religious beliefs and the internal conflict he faced between his faith and his actions. Mr. Mooney acknowledged that Brewer had lost the career he aspired to and expressed remorse for his conduct. Judge Jeremy Griggs, addressing Brewer directly, expressed surprise at seeing a young man with such a background and moral standing involved in such offenses. The judge highlighted Brewer’s history of helping those less fortunate and his understanding nature, which made his actions all the more shocking.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns about online safety and the importance of monitoring internet activity, especially among young people and those in positions of trust. The legal proceedings and subsequent decisions reflect the complex balance between rehabilitation and public protection in cases involving internet-based sexual offenses.