BERNARD BROWN FROM LEIGH INVOLVED IN CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND INDECENT IMAGES CASE AT BOLTON CROWN COURT
In a disturbing case heard at Bolton Crown Court, Bernard Brown, a 69-year-old resident of Leigh, was found guilty of serious offences involving young girls and the possession of indecent images.The case was brought to light after a young girl disclosed to her teacher that she had visited Brown’s house under false pretenses, lured by the promise of seeing his kittens.
According to court proceedings, the girl, who was only six years old, recounted that Brown had taken off his clothes during her visit, an incident that raised immediate concern among authorities.
Prosecutor Roger Brown detailed that the offences came to the attention of police after the girl’s revelation.
Officers responded swiftly, visiting Brown’s residence on Ena Crescent in Leigh, where they conducted a search.
During the search, they confiscated mobile phones and a camera, which later became crucial evidence in the case.
Brown was questioned about the incident and admitted that he had been heavily intoxicated at the time.
He explained that the two young girls had been playing in his living room and had managed to lock him in the kitchen.
After escaping from the kitchen, Brown claimed that the six-year-old girl had asked him to remove his top and underwear, which he did in front of her and another girl.
Brown further admitted that he was naked in front of the children and that one of them had touched him inappropriately.
The court heard that Brown expressed concerns about how children are provided with sex education, which he claimed was the reason he possessed two books of a sexual nature.
The investigation also uncovered four indecent images on the camera, and Brown told officers that the girls had been taking pictures of themselves while they were alone in his house.
During sentencing, Brown pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent photographs of children and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Recorder Ciaran Rankin emphasized the constraints placed on Brown, noting that these might prevent a prison sentence.
However, he expressed concern over the circumstances, stating, “These young girls were in your front room undoubtedly having been induced to visit you because of the kittens and that is of concern.” The judge also highlighted Brown’s suggestion that the girls had taken the lead in the offences, which was troubling.
Further concerns were raised in the pre-sentence report regarding Brown’s attitude towards children, especially considering the literature of a sexual nature found in his home.
Although Brown was not charged with grooming, the use of pets to lure children was viewed as potentially grooming behavior.
Ultimately, the court imposed a 36-month community order on Brown, which includes a requirement to complete 60 days of a rehabilitation activity program.
The judge stated that this approach would provide Brown with the professional support needed to address underlying issues, aiming to prevent further offending.
