RAYMOND BROWN FROM BISHOP AUCKLAND AND HOWDEN-LE-WEAR SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN COUNTY DURHAM

In December 2013, a disturbing case involving Raymond Brown, a man with ties to Bishop Auckland and Howden-le-Wear in County Durham, culminated in a severe legal sentence. Brown, aged 58 at the time, was convicted of a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse and bullying directed at a young girl several decades earlier. The court heard that his actions had a devastating impact on the victim, effectively robbing her of her childhood and inflicting harm in a manner described by the judge as 'grossly serious.'

During the sentencing at Teesside Crown Court, Brown displayed no visible emotion as he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The presiding judge, Peter Armstrong, emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating, 'You still deny these matters, minimize your part, and have shown no remorse at all for what you did.' The judge also referenced a victim impact statement, highlighting the profound and lasting effects on the girl, who has had to seek counselling as a result of her trauma.

The court was informed that Brown was a security guard with a history of heavy drinking, residing in the Bishop Auckland area at the time the abuse occurred. The jury learned that Brown had threatened the young girl, warning her that her mother would be jailed if she ever disclosed the abuse. Although the victim initially confided in her family, her claims were not believed, and the matter was never reported to authorities at that time.

It was only in the current year that the victim came forward, leading to Brown’s conviction on multiple charges, including rape, four counts of sexual assault, and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child. His legal representative, barrister David Lamb, acknowledged that mitigation was limited but pointed out that Brown had led a seemingly law-abiding life for many years following the offences. Lamb argued that Brown, who was a young man during the incidents, was now likely to be an elderly individual by the time of his release, and expressed confidence that such behaviour would not recur.

Throughout the trial, Brown’s wife stood by him, attending court daily and supporting him. The judge ordered Brown to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and informed him that the Parole Board would determine his release, taking into account the pre-sentence report and his apparent lack of remorse. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views such offences, especially given the long-lasting impact on the victim and the offender’s failure to show remorse during proceedings.