DAVID BROWN'S ARDROSSAN CRIME SPREE: FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE AFTER LENIENT SENTENCE

In June, David Brown, a 68-year-old man from Ardrossan, was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and has since become the focus of public outrage. The incident involved Brown abusing the girl when she was just 17 years old, a crime for which he pleaded guilty at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court. Brown’s history with the victim is extensive; he was previously placed on the Sex Offender’s Register last year due to similar sexual offences committed against the same girl, highlighting a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.

Despite the gravity of his actions and his prior convictions, Brown was not sentenced to prison. Instead, he received a Community Payback Order requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, along with a programme requirement aimed at rehabilitation. This lenient punishment has sparked outrage among the girl’s family and the wider community, who believe that justice has not been adequately served and that Brown remains a significant threat to others.

Brown, who resides on Barrie Terrace in Ardrossan, was once a trusted figure in the girl’s life. He had been a close family friend for over two decades, often acting as a babysitter and visiting their home nearly every week. His role in the family’s life was so ingrained that he became a constant presence, which makes the betrayal even more devastating.

The family describes the profound and lasting impact Brown’s actions have had on the girl, now 18 years old. They reveal that her mental health and well-being have suffered greatly, to the extent that she has been unable to sleep in her own bed for four years. Her academic performance has also declined sharply, with her struggling to pass exams and keep up with her studies, indicating the deep psychological scars left by the abuse.

A close family member expressed their frustration and concern, stating, “The sentence is far too lenient. Everyone I speak to who has children fears that if he gets an opportunity, he could be a serious threat.” They recounted how they initially believed Brown to be a kind and trustworthy individual, given his frequent presence in their lives. However, a change in the girl’s behavior on her 17th birthday revealed the extent of her trauma. During a trip to Glasgow, she received about ten presents but showed no reaction—no happiness or disappointment. It was only days later that she confided in her family about the abuse, leaving them stunned.

The family member further explained how Brown exerted control over the girl’s life, often telling her that their secret was safe between them. This manipulation contributed to her inability to sleep in her own bed for four years, from the age of 14 until 17. Her mental health deteriorated, affecting her academic performance and overall well-being. The family expressed their concern that Brown’s lenient sentence and his history of offending leave the community vulnerable, fearing he could reoffend if given the chance. They also pointed out a disturbing comparison made by the girl, who questioned why a character like Rab C Nesbitt received 200 hours for drunkenness, while Brown received the same amount for abusing her, underscoring their belief that justice has not been fully served.