“MONSTER” MURDERER AND RAPIST, GEORGE BROWNE CAPTURED BY POLICE IN BRIGHTON
Sussex Police have captured George Browne, aged 53, after he was spotted in Brighton.Browne, a convicted murderer and rapist, was previously sentenced for the brutal killing of 71-year-old Audrey Pearce in February 1998, an act committed in her Dudley flat, which was under the management of local council wardens.
His conviction involved the murder of Pearce through strangulation, coupled with sexual assault.
During a court hearing, it was revealed that on the night of the murder, Browne had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before following Pearce out of a public house at around 11:30 pm.
A male friend of Pearce's is believed to have advised her not to engage with Browne, who had been pursuing her to start a conversation.
High Court judge Mr Justice Irwin recounted that Pearce disregarded the advice, allowing Browne into her flat.
The judge stated, “He forced her onto a bed, raped her, and choked her as he was assaulting her.” The Home Secretary at the time sentenced Browne to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years before parole eligibility.
Recently, Browne was recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions, prompting Sussex Police to initiate Operation Spruce—a targeted manhunt with a public appeal issued on June 13.
The last sighting of Browne was reported on June 6.
Police described him as a white man, slim to average build, approximately 5ft 10in tall, with receding hair on top, bald at the crown, and speaking with an Irish accent.
The public was urged to contact emergency services if he was seen.
The operation concluded successfully when officers located and arrested Browne in Brighton, confirming prior information about his whereabouts.
Sussex Police announced, “Wanted man George Browne has been located and arrested by officers in Brighton.” The individual is now in custody for failing to adhere to his licence conditions, after his previous conviction for murder and sexual assault.
