PHILIP BROWNE OF STOKE-ON-TRENT JAILED FOR ONLINE SEX OFFENCES
A convicted sex offender from Stoke-on-Trent, Philip Browne, was caught setting up fake profiles on chat websites as part of a paedophile hunter sting.Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that Browne, 41, even impersonated his own sister in an attempt to persuade a 14-year-old girl to become his girlfriend.
He sent the girl a photograph of his private parts and gave an address in Fenton.
The vigilante group tracking Browne's activities traced him when they visited his bail hostel in Newcastle, where they intended to confront him.
Prosecutor Nick Tatlow explained that police responded to the incident and searched his accommodation.
Browne, of Albert Street, Newcastle, was subsequently sentenced to 36 months in prison.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), four counts of attempting to breach the order, and two counts of failing to comply with notification requirements.
The court noted that he had previously been sentenced to two years in prison in March of the previous year for similar offences, and he was released on license on October 29.
A risk assessor had visited Browne multiple times to discuss his SHPO, which had been ordered for an indefinite period.
During these visits, Browne provided details about his phone, SIM card, and Xbox console, but he later bought a smartphone in secret and used it to create fake profiles under names like Phil Bro and Sarah.
He first contacted a decoy profile named Scarlet, set up by vigilantes and presented as a 14-year-old girl.
While their conversations were not overtly sexual, Browne expressed interest in her and asked her to be his girlfriend.
The exchanges progressed to WhatsApp, where Browne claimed to have a 14-year-old sister, who was said to be 20, and then posed as Sarah, his sister, to contact the girl.
Other female targets included Amber and Lexi-Mae, both claiming to be 13 years old.
At one point, Browne asked a girl, “What do you think of me as a BF (boyfriend) type of thing?” He alternated between profiles, including Phil Bro and Sarah, to engage with a girl claiming to be 14.
During these chats, Browne sent a photograph of his private parts.
Police found a smartphone during a search of his address, which stored chat logs on WhatsApp, including a deleted conversation with Scarlet.
In his police interview, Browne admitted to committing these offences to get sent back to prison.
Defense barrister Brian Williams described him as being remarkably honest and expressed that Browne was eager to receive help and participate in courses to modify his behaviour.
His solicitor added that Browne wants assistance.
Judge Record Anthony Warner highlighted that Browne's conduct was part of a pattern of behaviour and identified him as being at high risk of causing serious harm, particularly to young girls he was attracted to.
The judge sentenced Browne to three years’ imprisonment, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
