MAN JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRL 30 YEARS AGO
A man responsible for abusing a young girl over three decades ago has finally been held accountable for his crimes.Henry Brown, in his mid-20s at the time, repeatedly assaulted a girl who was around ten years old.
During proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, the significant and lasting psychological damage inflicted on the victim was highlighted, showing how she struggled with the consequences from her childhood into her adult years as she understood more about what she endured.
The court was told that she had carried feelings of guilt and confusion, including believing she was Brown’s girlfriend, and was puzzled when he engaged with another person.
Prosecutor Vincent Ward explained that grooming was a central element of the abuse and that the victim still dwells on her relationship with Brown.
He added that the abuse occurred at multiple locations across the region.
In her victim statement, she disclosed that depression had been a constant presence since she was ten, and she had contemplated ending her life because of the trauma.
She described her experience by saying, “As a child I have done things sexually that no child should have gone through and I believe that is what triggered my depression.
“I still suffer from depression today and really bad anxiety – I rarely leave the house as I have social anxiety disorder.
Over the years I have been suicidal and now receive counselling.” The court learned that Brown had previous convictions related to grooming minors.
Residing in assisted housing in Tow Law at the time, Brown was found guilty of multiple offenses related to the girl, including indecent assault on a girl under 14, gross indecency with a girl under 14, and offenses against a girl under 16.
In mitigation, Jessica Slaughter stated, “Brown has changed significantly, managing his risks well, avoiding trouble, and contributing positively to society through voluntary work.
He recognizes that he faces imprisonment.” Judge Howard Crowson sentenced Brown to eight years’ imprisonment for all charges.
He said: “At the time of the offending she was aged ten and you were in your mid to late 20s.
With your encouragement she came to view you as her boyfriend – she was too young to understand the true nature of what you did to her.
“Children grow up and the effect of becoming an adult and learning more led her to know that what happened was wrong, sexual and led to a lifetime of depression and anxiety.”
