DAVID BROWN FROM UFFCULME AND CULLOMPTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN DEVON

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Cullompton and Uffculme, David Brown, aged 63, was convicted of multiple heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls in Devon during the 1990s and early 2000s. Brown, a local odd job man and caretaker, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court to a total of 18 years in prison, along with an extended four-year licence period. The court proceedings revealed the extent of his disturbing actions and the profound impact on his victims.

Brown’s criminal activities included the systematic abuse of three girls from the Devon area. One of the victims, who was just a child at the time, recounted that Brown raped her more than 400 times over several years. The court heard that Brown had been the caretaker of Cullompton Town Hall during the period when he committed some of these offences, including rapes that took place in the building itself. The victim described how Brown would take her to the town hall, where he would assault her on multiple occasions, including at least 11 confirmed incidents, although she believed the actual number was much higher.

During the trial, the court was informed that Brown had raped one girl on at least 11 occasions, with some assaults occurring in the town hall building. The court also heard that on one occasion, Brown had given the girl alcohol to render her insensible, and he had forcibly bundled her into a cupboard when someone unexpectedly arrived. These acts demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior and a blatant disregard for the victim’s well-being.

Brown was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault and 15 counts of rape during the trial, despite his initial denial of the charges. The sentencing judge, Recorder David Bartlett, expressed his condemnation of Brown’s actions, stating, “You took her there and raped her and bundled her into a cupboard when someone came there. On one occasion, you plied her with drink and rendered her insensible.”

In addition to the charges related to the town hall incidents, Brown received a six-year sentence for indecently assaulting a teenage girl under 16 and raping her four times. He also received a one-year sentence for indecent assault against another teenage girl. The most severe sentence was for the third victim, whom Brown began abusing when she was just 10 years old. Over several years, he committed 11 “specimen” rapes against her, with the court noting that she estimated the assaults occurred as many as 400 times. The judge described this as “systematic abuse of a vulnerable young girl,” emphasizing the severity and brutality of Brown’s conduct.

During the sentencing, the defense counsel, Christopher Quinlan, argued that Brown would be in his seventies upon release and that his last offence was committed several years ago. However, the judge was unequivocal in condemning Brown’s lack of remorse, stating, “You have shown no remorse for your conduct.” The court also heard from the victims, with one stating, “It’s completely ruined my life,” and expressing her hatred for Brown.

As part of his sentence, Brown is required to register as a sex offender for life. The court also decided against issuing a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, deeming it unnecessary under the circumstances. The judge publicly thanked prosecutor Mr. Simon Laws and Mr. Quinlan for their diligent work during the case, highlighting the importance of justice for the victims of these appalling crimes.

In a tragic postscript, it was reported that David Brown suffered a heart attack while serving his sentence in April 2018. He subsequently died as a result of this medical emergency, bringing a somber end to a case that has left a lasting scar on the communities of Cullompton and Uffculme.