JIM BROWN OF HOLYTON, MILNGAVIE, AND WISHAW JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AND GROSS MISCONDUCT

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning over several years, Jim Brown, a man with connections to Holytown, Milngavie, and Wishaw, has been repeatedly involved in criminal activities related to sexual misconduct and violations of court orders designed to protect children. His actions have not only caused alarm within the communities but have also led to multiple convictions and lengthy prison sentences.

In March 2014, Brown, aged 27 at the time, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after he blatantly disregarded a court-imposed ban that prohibited him from approaching children or entering leisure centers unless under supervision. The court heard that despite this restriction, Brown managed to obtain a membership at the Peak gym in Stirling and visited the facility seven times in December of the previous year. Witnesses at the gym observed Brown pacing around the premises, showing no interest in exercising, which raised suspicions among fellow members.

The following day, Brown was seen emerging from the swimming pool and walking towards a young girl, approximately 12 years old, who was alone. Concerned members of the gym promptly contacted the police. When officers arrived, they found Brown in the changing rooms, standing in front of a mirror and applying body lotion to himself in a manner that was deemed inappropriate, especially given the presence of unsupervised children. Prosecutor Dev Kapadia told Stirling Sheriff Court that Brown's behavior was unacceptable and dangerous, emphasizing the breach of his court orders.

Brown's criminal history is extensive. He first served time in 2011, receiving an eight-month sentence for performing a sexual act on himself in a cubicle at Wishaw Sports Centre, located in his native Lanarkshire. Additionally, he was placed on probation for three years after authorities discovered child abuse images stored on his laptop at his home. As part of his sentence, Brown was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which explicitly forbade him from having unsupervised contact with children.

Despite these restrictions, Brown continued to flout the law. In April 2012, he joined a gym near Glasgow, which led to his being expelled after a fellow member recognized him from his appearance on the television dating show 'Take Me Out.' The same year, in February, Brown approached four girls aged 13 and 14 in Holytown, his hometown, and made vile sexual remarks to them in a fake American accent before following them down the street. This incident resulted in an 18-month sentence for breaching his license conditions, although he was released early.

During the court proceedings, Brown pleaded guilty to his latest breach. He expressed frustration through his lawyer, claiming that the restrictions on his movements, particularly his inability to attend gyms, were overly restrictive. Sheriff Wyllie Robertson responded sternly, indicating that if Brown found the conditions unfair, he should challenge them through the legal system.

Earlier in August 2013, Brown's troubling pattern of behavior was further highlighted when he was jailed for his fourth sex offence within two years. This time, he was convicted of making inappropriate sexual comments to a group of schoolgirls in Holytown, again in his hometown. Brown, then 26, approached two 14-year-old girls and two 13-year-olds, shouting at them and following them along Main Street. The girls identified him at an identity parade, and police confirmed his involvement. Brown denied the charges, claiming mistaken identity, asserting he was at home having dinner at the time of the incident. However, the jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with a court order to monitor him for two years upon release and an indefinite registration on the sex offenders’ register.

Brown's history also includes his participation in the 2010 edition of 'Take Me Out,' where he was paired with Caroline Mellor, a mother of one. Mellor later expressed her horror at being matched with him, given his criminal background. His notoriety increased after his convictions, which included possession of indecent images of children and performing indecent acts at Wishaw Sports Centre. Despite his attempts to deny these charges, he was convicted and placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years, with assessments indicating a 'very high' risk of re-offending.

In April 2012, Brown was asked to leave the Virgin Active gym in Milngavie after a fellow customer recognized him and reported his status as a registered sex offender. The gym, which offers memberships starting at £50 and features amenities such as a crèche and swimming lessons, responded swiftly by banning him from the premises. Brown's history of misconduct, including his previous jail sentences and violations of court orders, underscores the ongoing threat he poses to the community and the importance of strict enforcement of protective measures against individuals like him.