HONICKNOWLE PAEDOPHILE STEPHEN BRIMBLE SENTENCED AFTER DECADES-LONG ABUSE REVELATION

In September 2011, Stephen Brimble, a 54-year-old man from Honicknowle, faced a significant legal proceeding at Plymouth Crown Court concerning serious allegations of child abuse. The case drew considerable attention as two sisters provided detailed testimonies for the prosecution, recounting years of abuse inflicted by Brimble during their childhood.

During the trial, Brimble chose to give evidence in his own defense. At one point, he inquired of Judge Paul Darlow about the potential sentence he would face if he decided to change his plea to guilty. When informed that such a plea would not result in an immediate custodial sentence, Brimble admitted to one count of indecent assault on a female and one count of inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency. This admission marked a significant development in the case, which had already garnered public and media attention.

One of the sisters, speaking to The Herald, provided a harrowing account of her experiences. She revealed that Brimble had abused her from the age of four into her early teens. She further explained that, starting around the ages of seven or eight, Brimble introduced her to pornography, showing her both films and pictures. Her statement underscored her ongoing fears, asserting that she believes Brimble remains a danger to children, despite the passage of time.

Judge Darlow, in his sentencing remarks, acknowledged that Brimble had no prior convictions and that there was no evidence of offending since 1989. He reviewed reports from medical professionals and the Probation Service, noting these factors in his decision-making process. The judge also pointed out that Brimble would be subject to a banning order preventing him from working with children, which rendered the imposition of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order unnecessary.

Jo Martin, representing Brimble, highlighted that her client had exhibited some psychological limitations at the time of the offenses, suggesting possible learning difficulties. She emphasized that Brimble was now married and employed full-time, which she argued was beneficial for someone with his mental health challenges. The judge reflected on the fact that the offenses occurred over two decades ago, describing them as “at the time, something of a game.” He also noted that the incidents had not caused the severe emotional scars often associated with such crimes, but he acknowledged Brimble’s own difficulties.

Ultimately, Judge Darlow sentenced Brimble to a two-year community order with supervision from the Probation Service. He issued a stern warning, stating, “Mr Brimble, I don’t want to see you again. If you breach this order, it’s me you’ll come and see. If Probation detect any reversion to past behaviors from more than 20 years ago, the consequences will be serious.” Additionally, Brimble was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.

Earlier in the proceedings, Brimble’s sentencing was delayed due to a series of procedural errors and misunderstandings. Originally scheduled for the previous Friday, the hearing was postponed after Brimble missed his appointment, claiming confusion over the date. Jo Martin explained that her client had become confused, mistaking the day of his Probation appointment, which led to his arrest for breaching bail. However, police later believed they had made a mistake and de-arrested him, further complicating the situation.

Brimble’s legal troubles had a profound impact on his personal life. He suffered abuse himself after his conviction, with reports indicating that his home had three windows broken in acts of retaliation or intimidation. He also had to disclose his criminal record to his wife, adding to the emotional strain. During the hearing, Martin expressed regret over the confusion, describing it as “a very sorry tale but it has a considerable ring of truth about it,” and asked the court for a second chance. Judge Darlow acknowledged the frustration caused by the procedural errors but ultimately allowed Brimble conditional bail, pending his final sentencing on September 23.