RICHARD BROOKE IN Newcastle AVOIDS JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIAL
| Red Rose Database
Wallsend Sexual Abuser
In February 2011, Richard Arthur Brooke narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl. Brooke, 47, from Worthing Close in Wallsend, was found guilty last month of this single charge out of a total of 13 he faced.
During a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Judge John Evans, who had previously overseen the trial, acknowledged that Brooke had gained the trust of the teenage girl before inappropriately touching her. Despite his conviction, Brooke continues to maintain his innocence.
His defence lawyer, Robert Adams, argued that Brooke was unlikely to re-offend, stating, "He maintains his position of being not guilty. I do not believe he is a high risk to children. The only allegation against him is seven years old. The girl was 15 at the time, and he has no prior convictions of this nature. The extensive trial process has likely served as a deterrent."
Adams also highlighted Brooke’s health and personal circumstances, saying, "He is an extremely ill man, having suffered two heart attacks. He is scheduled for an ECG on February 24, which would not be feasible in prison. Additionally, he is a carer for his sick mother."
Judge Evans confirmed his belief in Brooke’s guilt, having presided over the original trial. He explained, "I have no doubt about Brooke’s guilt. I am now tasked with sentencing him for a single offence committed long ago. You have no previous convictions of a sexual nature, and you have maintained your innocence regarding the conviction. Nonetheless, the evidence confirms the abuse of trust in this case."
As a result, Brooke was sentenced to 51 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He is also required to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years and will be subject to a six-month supervision order.
During a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Judge John Evans, who had previously overseen the trial, acknowledged that Brooke had gained the trust of the teenage girl before inappropriately touching her. Despite his conviction, Brooke continues to maintain his innocence.
His defence lawyer, Robert Adams, argued that Brooke was unlikely to re-offend, stating, "He maintains his position of being not guilty. I do not believe he is a high risk to children. The only allegation against him is seven years old. The girl was 15 at the time, and he has no prior convictions of this nature. The extensive trial process has likely served as a deterrent."
Adams also highlighted Brooke’s health and personal circumstances, saying, "He is an extremely ill man, having suffered two heart attacks. He is scheduled for an ECG on February 24, which would not be feasible in prison. Additionally, he is a carer for his sick mother."
Judge Evans confirmed his belief in Brooke’s guilt, having presided over the original trial. He explained, "I have no doubt about Brooke’s guilt. I am now tasked with sentencing him for a single offence committed long ago. You have no previous convictions of a sexual nature, and you have maintained your innocence regarding the conviction. Nonetheless, the evidence confirms the abuse of trust in this case."
As a result, Brooke was sentenced to 51 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. He is also required to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years and will be subject to a six-month supervision order.