JAMES BROWN OF LAURENCEKIRK SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ONLINE SEX OFFENSES IN NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND

In a recent development in the ongoing fight against online child exploitation, James Brown, a 32-year-old resident of Laurencekirk, was found guilty of engaging in illicit online activities involving a police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. The incident was uncovered through a covert operation carried out by undercover law enforcement officers in the north-east of Scotland, which ultimately led to Brown’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

According to court reports, the operation was initiated on June 26, 2017, when an undercover officer used the instant messaging platform Kik to communicate with individuals suspected of engaging in child exploitation. The officer adopted the persona of a 13-year-old girl named Leila, aiming to identify and apprehend offenders attempting to contact minors online. During the course of the conversation, Brown believed he was speaking with a young girl and proceeded to engage in sexually explicit dialogue.

Prosecutor Lixia Sun detailed that Brown claimed to be a 25-year-old student, while the officer maintained the pretense of being a 13-year-old girl. As the conversation progressed, Brown’s language became increasingly sexualized, with references to her age and threats of arrest if he were caught. At one point, he responded to her with the comment, “Worth it though, gorgeous,” indicating a clear intent to pursue sexual contact.

Further investigation revealed that Brown had more than just online conversations. Authorities seized his mobile phone, laptop, and computer, which were found to contain over 100 indecent images of children. These materials included both actual and pseudo-images, which are digitally manipulated images intended to depict minors in sexual contexts. Brown admitted to the court that he had engaged in sending and requesting indecent images, as well as making and distributing such material involving children.

Brown pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including engaging in sexualized communication with a minor he believed to be 13, requesting her to send indecent images, and sending indecent images himself. He also admitted to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children, which are serious offenses under Scottish law.

During the court proceedings, George Mathers, representing Brown, expressed his client’s profound embarrassment over the situation. He noted that Brown had lost his employment as a consequence of his actions and had sought psychological help, having visited a psychologist to address underlying issues.

Sheriff William Summers, presiding over the case, addressed Brown directly, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. Brown’s address was recorded as High Street, Laurencekirk. The sheriff deferred sentencing until May to allow for the preparation of detailed reports and ordered Brown to comply with the notification requirements mandated by the Sex Offenders Act, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his crimes.

In an update following the sentencing, Sheriff William Summers sentenced Brown to 30 months in prison and mandated that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, underscoring the long-term consequences of his actions and the ongoing efforts to protect children from online predators in the north-east of Scotland.