WEYMOUTH CHILD SEX OFFENDER STEPHEN BROWN SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Weymouth, Stephen John Brown, aged 47, was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of a young girl. The offences spanned several years, beginning when the victim was just five years old, and the impact of his actions has left a lasting scar on her life.

Brown, who previously operated as a businessman and resided on Rodwell Road in Weymouth, faced a total of twelve charges in connection with the abuse. These charges included nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. Despite his initial denial of the allegations, a jury at Dorchester Crown Court found him guilty on all charges by a majority verdict, bringing a sense of justice to the case.

During the sentencing, Judge Gary Burrell addressed Brown directly, emphasizing the severity and duration of his crimes. He stated, “You abused her over a long period of time from when she was a young child. She was trapped with nowhere to go.” The judge’s words underscored the betrayal of trust and the prolonged suffering inflicted upon the young victim.

The victim, now 16 years old, bravely took the stand to recount her ordeal. She explained that the abuse began with inappropriate touching by Brown and escalated as she grew older. She revealed that she did not come forward until the previous year, citing fear of Brown’s violent tendencies and her own terror of what he might do if she spoke out. Her testimony detailed that the abuse persisted until she was 13 years old.

In sentencing Brown, the court imposed concurrent sentences: seven years for the nine counts of indecent assault, 13 years for the two counts of assault by penetration, and three years for the sexual assault charge. The combined sentences reflect the gravity of his crimes and serve as a warning to others. DC Natasha Lawrence, a member of the Child Abuse Investigation Team based in Weymouth, expressed her support for the verdict, stating, “The victim showed her bravery by sitting in front of the jury in court and giving her evidence without a screen. I believe that the right verdict has been reached and she can finally start rebuilding her life and moving on.”

Judge Burrell also commended the young girl for her courage in giving evidence, acknowledging the emotional toll it must have taken to relive her trauma in court. He remarked, “She had to give evidence in court, reliving the horror of what she had been through and what you had done to her.”

Following the sentencing, Brown was placed on the child sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case has left a lasting impact on the Weymouth community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.