RICHARD BROWN FROM NANTYGLO SENTENCED FOR VOYEURISM AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AT CWRY GOLLEN CAMP

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Richard Brown, a 42-year-old resident of Beaumont Close in Nantyglo, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for serious breaches of trust and indecent conduct involving minors. The conviction stems from a series of disturbing incidents that took place at Cwrt y Gollen camp in Crickhowell, where Brown held a position of authority.

Brown was found guilty last month on 12 charges, which included taking indecent photographs of children and engaging in voyeuristic activities. The court heard that his actions involved lurking outside female accommodation and secretly filming or photographing young girls as they undressed. These acts represented a gross violation of the trust placed in him by the camp authorities and the parents of the children involved.

During the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, Judge Philip Richards condemned Brown’s conduct, stating, “Your behaviour fell far below what was expected of you. I am satisfied you caused very great distress to the victims and their parents.” The judge emphasized that many children, sent to the camp by their schools and colleges, were under Brown’s supervision, and their parents had a right to expect their safety and well-being to be protected.

Judge Richards highlighted the severity of the breach, noting that Brown’s actions included taking video recordings of children undressing and filming them in compromising situations. “I regard this as an exceptional case,” he remarked, underscoring the profound impact on the victims and their families. The court was told that the parents’ sense of horror and betrayal was palpable, given that children in his care were subjected to such invasive acts.

In addition to the prison sentence, Brown was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was permanently barred from working with children. The judge expressed particular concern over Brown’s decision to have the girls accommodated on the ground floor, which facilitated his offending—a decision he deemed should have been made at a higher level of authority.

Further allegations revealed that Brown had downloaded large quantities of adult pornography onto Army-issued laptops, raising questions about the misuse of public resources. The judge called for authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly, considering the potential abuse of equipment paid for by taxpayers.

Brown’s legal representative, John Ryan, described his client as a man of previously good character, with glowing references from senior officers and an exemplary record. Ryan acknowledged Brown’s remorse, stating, “He was a man hitherto positive good character. His shame is real and significant. He did nothing with the indecent images but possessed them for his own gratification. This conviction will rest heavily with him.” Despite his prior reputation, the court’s verdict reflects the gravity of his misconduct and the breach of trust involved.