MARK BROWNING FROM MILE CROSS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORWICH

In a case that has shocked the local community of Norwich, Mark Browning, a 39-year-old man residing in Mile Cross, has been handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple heinous child sex offences that spanned over two decades. The sentencing took place at Norwich Crown Court, where Judge Stephen Holt delivered a stern judgment, emphasizing the devastating impact Browning's actions had on his young victim.

According to court records, Browning was found guilty of two counts of rape and 15 counts of indecent assault. The crimes date back to 1991, when the victim was only six years old. The abuse continued until 1996, when she was 11, with some of the most severe acts occurring when she was just eight years old. It was during this period that Browning, then aged 14, committed acts of rape against her. The victim's identity remains protected for legal reasons, but her suffering has been laid bare in court.

During the sentencing hearing on Friday, May 25, Judge Holt did not hold back in condemning Browning’s actions. He stated, “You’ve utterly destroyed her life and childhood,” highlighting the profound and lasting damage inflicted. The judge also noted that the victim, in an attempt to cope with her trauma, began drinking at a young age, a tragic consequence of Browning’s abuse.

The case took a significant turn in December 2016 when police officers from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit executed a warrant at Browning’s residence on Appleyard Crescent in Mile Cross. During the search, authorities seized multiple electronic devices, which were later examined in detail. The investigation uncovered more than 10,000 indecent images of children, categorized from Category A to C, stored on Browning’s hard drives. This discovery added a disturbing dimension to the case and led to further charges.

In August 2017, Browning was formally charged with six counts of rape, 17 counts of indecent assault, and three counts of possessing indecent images of children. Although he pleaded guilty to the charges related to indecent images, he denied the allegations of rape and indecent assault during the proceedings. Despite his denial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him on all counts, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence. Browning will serve a minimum of eight years before being eligible for parole, marking a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for his victims.