KEITH BROWN FROM HEANOR AND NEW OLLERTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a case that has spanned decades, Keith Brown, a man formerly residing in Heanor and New Ollerton, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse. The lengthy legal process uncovered a disturbing pattern of depravity that had remained hidden for years, involving the abuse of seven young victims over a period stretching from the 1960s through the 1980s.

Brown, aged 68 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty at Derby Crown Court on charges including 19 counts of indecent assault and five counts of rape. The judge, Andrew Hamilton, described Brown’s actions as “disgusting and despicable,” emphasizing the profound and lasting impact his crimes had on the lives of his victims, who ranged in age from 12 to 16 at the time of the abuse.

The case was brought to light after a woman, who chose to remain anonymous, reported her abuse to the police. She expressed a sense of relief as Brown was taken away in a prison van to begin his sentence. She stated, “It is like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. No jail term will ever be long enough, but compared to other sentences handed out, this is a long one and reflects the gravity of what he has done. He has lived his life how he has wanted to all this time – perhaps now we will get the chance to start living ours.”

During the investigation, authorities discovered that Brown had served as a Scout leader and foster carer at various times, although there was no evidence to suggest he exploited these roles to access his victims. The full extent of his crimes only emerged after the brave testimony of the victims, who had initially believed they were the only ones subjected to his abuse. It was only when the woman, known as Leanne, learned that others had also been victimized that she decided to come forward.

Leanne recounted her harrowing experience, describing how her childhood was marred by Brown’s repeated assaults. She recalled that her abuse began when she was just 12 years old and continued for four years. She described Brown as a respected community figure, which made her fear and shame even more intense. Her account revealed that Brown’s crimes included abusing her on his wedding night in 1972 and raping her while his wife, Delia, was hospitalized after losing their newborn baby that same morning.

Leanne explained that Brown kept her silent through threats and manipulation, warning her that no one would believe her if she told. She described his cold, emotionless demeanor after molesting her, noting that he would simply go about his routine as if nothing had happened, even making tea afterward. The emotional scars from these experiences have haunted her, leading to depression, suicidal thoughts, and obsessive hygiene habits, including showering multiple times a day. She admitted that the smell of snuff and body odour associated with Brown still makes her physically ill.

Despite the pain, Leanne found some solace in the conviction of her abuser. She expressed relief that Brown was finally held accountable, stating, “There was no relief for me until then. I spent my whole life being told that I was not going to be believed, and to have 12 strangers stand up and say ‘we believe you’ – I cannot describe how that feels, after all these years.” She credited the support from Derbyshire police and Derbyshire Rape Crisis for helping her through the process, praising their professionalism and understanding.

Judge Andrew Hamilton condemned Brown’s actions, calling him “disgusting and despicable,” and praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward. He highlighted the profound effect Brown’s crimes had on their lives, noting that each victim believed they were the only one and had kept their suffering secret for years. The judge also criticized Brown for refusing to admit guilt despite overwhelming evidence, forcing his victims to testify and relive their trauma in court. He remarked on the cruelty of questioning victims and suggesting they fabricated their stories, emphasizing that Brown’s lack of remorse was evident.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Claire McKeown, who led the investigation, expressed hope that the conviction would encourage other victims of historical abuse to come forward. She acknowledged the distress caused to all involved but believed that justice had been served. The chief prosecutor for Derbyshire, Brian Gunn, described the case as “complex,” attributing the successful prosecution to the courage and honesty of the victims who testified against Brown.

As Brown begins his prison term, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of listening to and believing victims of abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.