PETER BROWN SHOCKS ANDOVER AND WINCHESTER WITH SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH 15-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Andover and Winchester, Peter Brown, a teacher at Henry Beaufort School in Winchester, was sentenced to a year in prison after admitting to engaging in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. The incident, which took place between June 2001 and August 2002, has left a lasting impact on all involved, especially the young victim and her family.

Brown, aged 35 at the time, held the position of head of art at the Winchester school since 1995. His actions came to light after the girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, reported the relationship to authorities. Court proceedings revealed that Brown and the girl had a relationship that involved sexual activity, although not full intercourse, at Brown’s former residence in Longparish, near Andover, as well as in the nearby New Forest area.

During the hearing at Winchester Crown Court, the prosecution detailed how Brown showered the girl with gifts, including chocolates, a mobile phone, and a ring. He maintained regular contact through text messages, some of which were sexually explicit, with the girl receiving up to five messages daily. The girl told police that she did not engage in full sexual intercourse because Brown warned her that she was under 16 and that if anyone found out, he would be in serious trouble. Despite this, she admitted to feeling flattered by the attention and consented to the relationship.

Prosecutor Andy Houston emphasized that Brown had told the girl he loved her, which added to the emotional complexity of the case. The girl’s mother expressed her deep loathing for Brown, condemning his exploitation of a child. The victim, now 18, has reportedly become more nervous and distressed, with court reports indicating she left the courtroom in tears during the proceedings.

Brown’s defense attorney, Nicholas Fridd, argued that there was a mutual feeling between the two, asserting that there was no coercion involved. However, the court found the relationship to be entirely inappropriate given Brown’s position of trust as a teacher. Judge Patrick Hooton sentenced Brown to 12 months in prison, stating that although the sentence might seem lenient, it was appropriate given the circumstances. The judge also ordered Brown to register as a sex offender for ten years and banned him from working with children in the future.

Outside the court, the father of the victim, aged 49, expressed a complex mix of feelings. While he stated he was not concerned about the seemingly lenient sentence, he was relieved that Brown would no longer be in a position to teach children. He reflected on the impact the case had on his daughter, who has become more anxious and distressed since the incident. The father also expressed a sense of pity for Brown’s family, acknowledging the damage caused by the actions of the former teacher.

Adding a note of remorse, Reverend Graham Topping, a former chairman of governors at Henry Beaufort School and a character witness, stated that Brown’s remorse appeared genuine and that he recognized his foolishness. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such breaches of trust are regarded, especially when involving minors and educators entrusted with their care.