MARK BROWN FROM LONDON CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR NEWINGTON GREEN
In July 2020, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mark Brown, a 30-year-old man from London, who was convicted of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old university student in North London.The incident took place during the early hours of Friday, 20 September 2019, amidst the chaos of Freshers’ Week, a period marked by social gatherings and new beginnings for university students.
According to court proceedings, Brown was captured on CCTV footage fleeing from his residence dressed in an unusual and distinctive outfit.
His attire included a short black dress, a leather jacket, and a flowing silver wig, which he wore during the attack.
The victim, who was walking home after a night out, had just disembarked from a bus near Newington Green in Islington when she became the target of Brown’s predatory behavior.
As she approached her front door, Brown suddenly appeared and followed her closely.
The court heard that he then pounced on her, engaging in a sexual assault by putting his hand under her skirt and penetrating her with his fingers.
The young woman, frightened and distressed, fell to the ground and screamed for help.
She also attempted to defend herself by kicking out at Brown, who then fled the scene.
Following a thorough investigation, police officers identified Brown as the suspect through CCTV analysis.
The investigation led them to his home, where they discovered a collection of incriminating evidence.
In the garden, officers found a black leather jacket with latex gloves in the pockets, a T-shirt, a long silver wig, and a bra.
Additionally, they uncovered a Tesco bag containing hay and found a loose rabbit roaming freely around Brown’s flat, adding a bizarre element to the case.
During the trial at Wood Green Crown Court, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including witness testimony and CCTV footage.
Michael Oatley, representing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Mark Brown targeted a lone, young victim as she made her way home from a night out during Freshers’ Week.
Brown was dressed in female clothing including a short dress and silver wig.
He stalked his victim before sexually assaulting her right on her own doorstep.” Oatley further explained that Brown initially denied involvement, claiming the person in the footage was not him and that he had discarded the wig used for fancy dress.
However, he later admitted to being the individual in the footage, asserting that his intent was only to rob the victim, not to assault her.
The court heard that Brown has prior convictions for similar sexual offenses, raising concerns about his pattern of behavior.
Prosecutor Emma Smith detailed the attack, noting that the victim had been at a club with friends and was walking home at approximately 3:45 am when she passed Brown’s apartment block.
Within half a minute, Brown emerged in his distinctive outfit and began to follow her.
As she reached her front door, he suddenly tapped her on the shoulder and then grabbed her from behind.
Despite her protests and shouting for him to leave, Brown pushed her to the ground and fled the scene.
The victim described her attacker as a man with silver hair, but she did not see his face clearly.
She recounted that he appeared quite strong and that she found it difficult to push him away.
Her account, combined with the CCTV evidence, led to Brown’s arrest on October 5.
During police interviews, Brown maintained that the wig was for fancy dress and claimed he had thrown it away months prior.
He also denied the assault, but the jury found him guilty of sexual assault by penetration unanimously.
Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for August 14.
The case underscores the serious stance taken by the CPS against crimes targeting women, especially during vulnerable moments such as walking home late at night.
The court’s decision reflects the importance of holding offenders accountable and ensuring justice for victims of sexual violence in London.
