NORTON BROWN FROM NEW ROMNEY AND TUNBRIDGE WELLS JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AT STEAM RAILWAY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of New Romney and Tunbridge Wells, a 79-year-old man named Norton Brown has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed decades ago. Brown, a well-known figure within the railway enthusiast circles, particularly on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, was convicted of abusing his position of trust to sexually assault young boys during the 1990s.

Brown, who had no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on boys and two charges of indecency with a child. His crimes came to light after a lengthy investigation, revealing that he exploited his role as a volunteer at the railway to lure young boys into his care. Brown’s involvement with steam railways was lifelong; he was so passionate about the hobby that he purchased a house adjacent to the railway in New Romney, where he installed a model railway and kept videos of steam trains. His devotion to the railway was well known, and he was considered a prominent figure in the local railway community.

During the trial at Canterbury Crown Court, it was disclosed that Brown had used his influence over young boys, some as young as 11 or 12, to carry out his abusive acts. The boys would often stay at Brown’s house in New Romney during the summer months, where they slept in bunk beds and sometimes shared a room or even Brown’s own bedroom. The regime was described as strict, with organized activities and occasional trips to other railway attractions. However, beneath this seemingly innocent veneer, Brown exploited the trust placed in him.

Prosecutor Joseph Boothby detailed how Brown’s misconduct was often concealed by seemingly mundane routines, such as the bathroom door being left unlocked after showers, which Brown would sometimes join or enter as boys were leaving. The assaults included inappropriate touching while the boys were drying off, and in one disturbing incident, Brown assaulted a boy on a moving train. The abuse was carried out over a period of time, with some victims feeling unable to report it immediately due to fear or shame.

Brown’s defense lawyer, Tom Little, acknowledged the severity of the offenses but emphasized that Brown had no previous convictions. He pointed out that Brown’s advanced age, poor health, and very short stature could make imprisonment particularly difficult for him. Little also noted that there was no evidence of escalation in Brown’s offending behavior and that when the boys asked him to stop, he did so. One of the victims expressed that while what Brown did was wrong, he would prefer to see him admit his guilt rather than face prison, suggesting a complex emotional response to the case.

Following the sentencing, Judge Adele Williams condemned Brown’s actions, highlighting that he had taken advantage of his passion for steam railways and his role as a volunteer to commit these heinous acts. She emphasized that Brown’s abuse of his position had caused lasting harm to the victims, with at least one victim seeking professional help to cope with the trauma. The judge also ordered Brown to be banned from all railway-related heritage sites, museums, tourist attractions, and public exhibitions for the next ten years. Additionally, he is prohibited from seeking employment at such venues or events upon his release from a 16-month prison sentence.

In her remarks, Judge Williams expressed her disappointment that Brown showed no remorse or insight into his actions, which she considered a significant concern for his potential to reoffend. She acknowledged the profound impact on the victims, especially noting that one had been deeply affected and required ongoing support. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those in positions of authority and passion.