MATTHEW BROWN FROM NEWFIELD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF UNDERAGE GIRL NEAR WILLINGTON

In August 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Matthew Brown, a man from Newfield, who was accused of grooming and abusing a young girl under the age of consent. The court heard that Brown, who was married at the time, deluded himself into believing he was in a genuine romantic relationship with the underage girl for several months. However, the reality was far more sinister, as the court was told that Brown systematically groomed the vulnerable girl, exploiting her mental health and behavioral issues.

According to the evidence presented at Durham Crown Court, Brown initially made contact with the girl through social media platforms. Their online interactions quickly escalated, with Brown sending her messages that expressed possessiveness and obsession, including statements such as he would “never let her go” and that she could “never have anyone else, but him.”

As their communication continued, the girl and Brown began to meet in person for sexual encounters. These meetings reportedly took place at Brown’s caravan, located in Newfield, as well as in local hotels and at the homes of family members when they were not present. The court was told that Brown encouraged the girl to take drugs and consume alcohol almost every night, further manipulating her into compliance and making her more vulnerable to his advances.

It was not until the girl expressed misgivings and confided in her parents that the extent of Brown’s misconduct was revealed. She accused him of assaulting her, and when she informed him she was planning to contact the police, Brown responded by discarding her mobile phone, an act that underscored his attempt to obstruct justice.

Police were eventually alerted to the situation, leading to Brown’s arrest in late April. During questioning, Brown initially provided a false account of the events, denying any wrongdoing. However, he later admitted to having sexual relations with the girl, claiming that she had blackmailed him into continuing the relationship. His initial denial was thus contradicted by his subsequent admission.

In June, Brown appeared at a plea hearing where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges. He admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as charges of common assault, theft of the girl’s phone, and possession of a class B drug. Brown, aged 28 and residing at Hill Crest, Newfield, near Willington, faced a serious sentence for his actions.

Judge Jonathan Carroll sentenced Brown to eight years in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the vulnerability of the young girl, highlighting her mental health and behavioral issues. The judge stated, “She was a particularly vulnerable young girl due to mental health and behavioural issues. Despite those difficulties, she was a child and, sometimes children need protection from themselves.”

He condemned Brown’s exploitation of the girl, describing his actions as selfish and predatory. The judge stated, “In every possible way, you failed with that, putting your own selfish desires uppermost in your mind, exploiting her as your own sexual play thing, to be used and discarded as you saw fit.”

Furthermore, Brown was subjected to a restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and was required to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The court’s ruling reflects the severity of his misconduct and the need to protect the community from further harm.