MAN SEXUALLY ASSAULTS TWO YOUNG GIRLS
A resident of Plymouth has been imprisoned for a year after being convicted of sexual assaults involving two young females.Paul Brown from Shell Close, Leigham, appeared before Plymouth Crown Court for sentencing after a January trial.
Brown, aged 50, was found guilty of five counts of deliberately touching a girl aged 14 and four counts of touching another girl aged between 13 and 16 in a sexual manner.
The offences spanned from June to September 2020.
During sentencing, Prosecutor Michael Brown told the court that two victim impact statements had been provided to the judge, Judge Robert Linford, who acknowledged them but indicated they would not be read aloud in court.
The prosecutor highlighted Brown’s previous good character and pointed out the grooming nature of his acts.
He asked the court to impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) with a duration of 10 years.
Brown’s legal representative, Will Parkhill, asked for a suspended sentence, citing Brown’s consistent employment history, which included holding two jobs at one point.
Parkhill also mentioned Brown’s involvement in the sports community and his volunteer work in security and stewarding roles.
The defendant’s family, who spoke highly of him, were supportive.
The defense lawyer added that these offences only came to light in October 2020 and that imprisonment would deeply impact Brown’s family, who were supportive of him.
He explained that Brown had lost his jobs his full-time employment and a security business he had set up with his son due to the conviction.
Judge Linford discussed the gravity of the crimes and their effects on the victims, noting that both girls experienced significant emotional trauma, including nightmares, flashbacks, and social difficulties.
Despite Brown’s denial and lack of remorse, the judge recognised his industriousness and strong family backing.
Although Brown’s absence would considerably affect his family, he clarified that the decision rested with the offender, not the court.
In conclusion, the judge approved a 10-year SHPO that would restrict Brown from having contact with females under 18.
Applying sentencing guidelines and considering all factors, he sentenced Brown to six months for each victim’s assault, to run consecutively, amounting to a total of 12 months in prison.
The judge stated that the offenses were too serious to warrant a suspended sentence.
