GORDON BROWN SENTENCED IN STONEHAVEN FOR CHILD ABUSE CRIMES

In a case that has shocked the community of Stonehaven, Gordon Brown, aged 45, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of a series of disturbing child abuse offenses. The crimes, which involved the molestation of five young boys at a residence in Stonehaven, took place over a span of several months from January to April of the previous year.

Brown's abusive actions only came to light after one of his victims, who had been subjected to abuse on two consecutive nights, confided in a family friend. This revelation prompted an investigation that uncovered the extent of Brown's misconduct. It was revealed that Brown would sneak into the boys' bedrooms during the night, engaging in inappropriate and criminal acts while they were asleep. On one particularly disturbing occasion, he entered a bathroom where a young boy was showering and subjected him to abuse.

The case was heard at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where it was disclosed that Brown posed a medium risk of reoffending. Sheriff Douglas Cusine, presiding over the case, stated that there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. Brown was sentenced to 20 months in prison, with an additional extended period of one year on licence, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.

Outside the courtroom, Brown’s ex-wife, Sylvia Morrison, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the outcome. She tearfully told the Press and Journal, “I’m just glad for the parents and the boys concerned that justice has been done. I’m sure he will have plenty of time to reflect on what he did while he is serving the sentence.” Morrison’s comments underscored the emotional toll the case had taken on those close to the victims.

Throughout the hearing, Brown sat with his eyes closed, having previously admitted to seven of the nine charges related to child abuse. The court had deferred sentencing to allow for background reports to be prepared. His legal representative, QC David Moggach, explained that Brown, a first-time offender, struggled to provide an explanation for his actions. Moggach noted that the offenses appeared to escalate over time but emphasized that Brown was at a loss to explain why he committed these acts.

While the defense requested a community-based punishment, Sheriff Cusine clarified that such an option was not available in this case. In his sentencing remarks, the sheriff condemned Brown’s conduct, describing it as a “course of conduct of a lewd and libidinous nature towards vulnerable young boys.” He emphasized that the community’s safety and the protection of children were paramount considerations.

Given that most of the victims were under the age of 13, Sheriff Cusine concluded that imprisonment was the only appropriate response. Brown was also placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. As he was led away in handcuffs, Brown showed no visible emotion, remaining silent and composed during the process.