December 2015 Man jailed for 17 years for sex assaults on young girls A 70-year-old man has begun a 17-year prison sentence after admitting a string of sexual assaults against young girls across Nottinghamshire dating back to the 1970s. Michael Brown of Bagshaw Street, Pleasley, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (23 December) for sentencing. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order. Investigating officer Detective Constable Andrew Shortland, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Brown’s cycle of offending was systematic, dating back to the 1970s and continuing over four decades. “Although it will be of little consolation to his victims, who had to endure his vile assaults, I would like to pay tribute to them, all of whom found the courage to come forward even many years after they had been assaulted by him. “This is a very significant sentence considering his guilty plea, which has at least spared his victims the further ordeal of a trial. “It underlines the severity of his crimes and the determination of the police, the Crown Prosecution and the courts to ensure that offenders like Brown who prey on children for sexual gratification are jailed for long periods of time to protect the public.”