CATCHING THE PREDATOR: CARLTON BROOKS TARGETS LONDON SCHOOLGIRLS IN DISTURBING INCIDENTS

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the London community, Carlton Brooks, a 57-year-old man with a troubling online history, was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and criminal behavior targeting young girls in the Camberwell area. The incidents, which took place between July and September 2022, involved Brooks repeatedly exposing himself and engaging in sexual acts in front of a 13-year-old girl as she was walking home from school.

On the first occasion in July, the young girl noticed Brooks masturbating by his window, deliberately making eye contact with her as she passed by. The girl, understandably distressed, reported the incident to her mother. The mother then witnessed a similar attempt by Brooks on August 18, when he tried to hide what he was holding, further confirming the pattern of disturbing behavior.

The situation escalated on September 9, when the girl again saw Brooks pleasuring himself and attempting to attract her attention through noise. This time, however, she was able to take a photograph of Brooks, which was subsequently handed over to the police for investigation. The evidence provided a clear link to Brooks' actions and helped build the case against him.

During the court proceedings, Brooks' legal representative claimed that his client was attempting to address issues related to drug and alcohol misuse. However, the court highlighted Brooks' extensive criminal history, which includes making indecent images of children in 2005 and serving time in prison for similar offences in 2010. This history underscored a pattern of predatory behavior that had persisted over many years.

Judge Matthew Boyle, presiding over the case at Inner London Crown Court, emphasized the seriousness of Brooks' actions. He pointed out that the offences were highly targeted and demonstrated a disturbing escalation in behavior. The judge stated, "It should not need to be said that schoolgirls aged 13, whether in uniform or not, should be able to go about their ordinary lives without being exposed to men masturbating naked in the window of their property."

Furthermore, the judge noted that Brooks was the only person aware of his own abuse, and his actions represented a dangerous progression that posed a significant risk to the safety of young girls in the community. As a result, Brooks was sentenced to two years in prison, with an immediate 16-month custodial sentence handed down. The court also issued a stern warning to Brooks to refrain from any future offences, underscoring the gravity of his misconduct and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.