PREDATOR WHO PLIED YOUNG GIRL WITH SWEETS BEFORE ABUSE IS JAILED
A disturbed electrician manipulated a young girl by giving her sweets and money before subjecting her to sexual abuse.Following the incident, the girl felt "overwhelmed and scared" after Anthony Brown, aged 59 and from Bridlington, told her that her silence was a secret between them.
During the trial at Hull Crown Court, it was revealed that Brown later accused the girl of fabricating "horrible, wicked, terrible lies" about him.
He was found guilty by a jury on three counts of indecent assault.
However, he was acquitted on three other charges, including indecency with a child and indecent assault, as reported by HullLive.
Prosecutor Stephen Robinson explained that Brown groomed and bribed the girl before touching her intimately, warning her that it was "their secret" and instructing her not to tell anyone.
The girl recounted: "He used to get me sweets," and he would also ask her what she wanted for her birthday as an additional bribe.
Mr.
Robinson stated, "She has been groomed by the defendant.
She says this was done for sweets or money." The girl confided in others about the abuse, and on two occasions independently approached the police because of what had occurred, the court heard.
Mr.
Robinson emphasized: "The defendant has behaved exactly as he is alleged to have done.
She provided strong evidence of her experiences." He further added that the girl’s disclosures were motivated not by a desire for attention but by her need to cope with what had happened.
She provided a truthful and compelling account.
Regarding Brown’s defense, Robinson said, "He is lying.
He is attempting to discredit her by making untrue accusations and fabricating details to distract from his guilt." Brown’s conduct was described as "monstrous." During a police interview, the girl appeared "overwhelmed and scared." Mr.
Robinson explained, "She was frightened by what had happened" and revealed she had been groomed and pressured into keeping the abuse a secret from a very young age.
Despite this, the girl kept a diary indicating she was indeed sexually abused by Brown.
He stated, "There is no reason for her to invent this story, and no evidence suggests she would continue to falsely claim these things." Her ongoing conversations about the abuse showed its lasting impact on her.
Brown’s defense efforts "amounted to evasion and character assassination," as he seized every chance to attack the girl's credibility.
Robinson argued, "If he is truthful, she has fabricated terrible lies about him.
He is clearly trying to escape responsibility." During the sentencing, mitigation lawyer Benjamin Donnell acknowledged the deep personal trauma caused to the victim.
"These offenses have had a profound impact on her," he said.
"There is no suggestion that the defendant has continued similar behavior after these incidents." Brown was described as having led a "spotless life" in the years following, with assessments indicating a low risk of reoffending and a medium risk of harm to children.
He was employed as an electrician and was well-regarded by colleagues, with two references attesting to his good character.
He was also in poor physical health.
Judge Tony Watkin stated, "The victims in cases like this suffer profound consequences," directly linking the harm to Brown's actions.
Anthony Brown was sentenced to five years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
He had been on bail during the trial but was taken into custody following the guilty verdicts.
