A RHAYADER MAN HAS AVOIDED AN IMMEDIATE PRISON SENTENCE AFTER HE ENGAGED IN SEXUAL COMMUNICATION WITH WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS A CHILD
In October and November 2022, Robert Brown, aged 43, believed he was communicating with a child, but in reality, he was engaging with an undercover officer from Dyfed Powys Police acting as a decoy.Brown, who resides in Maes y Deri, Rhayader, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor and trying to persuade a child to partake in sexual activities during the period from October 31 to November 28, 2022.
During a court session at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court held on Friday, November 14, prosecutor Samuel Jenkins described how Brown conversed with an individual claiming to be a girl named Ruby.
“The individual was an undercover police officer using the Kik app,” Mr Jenkins explained.
“She claimed to be 12 years old, and he responded by saying he was 16.
The chat moved from Kik to WhatsApp.
“Brown discussed intimate topics such as cuddling and kissing, asked for pictures of her in underwear, and encouraged her to touch herself.
They also had a brief video call, and he talked about meeting her and having sex.
Representation for Brown, John Ryan, highlighted that his client had no prior convictions, had shown remorse, and struggled with immaturity and a learning disability.
Mr Ryan pointed out a three-year delay in proceedings without explanation, noting that Brown had not reoffended and had been involved in charitable work.
He explained that Brown experienced emotional issues with children and sought female companionship, partly due to past exploitative relations with adult women, which led to his targeting individuals of similar maturity.
The pre-sentence report indicated Brown’s lack of sexual images of children, which is considered unusual among offenders.
Brown had volunteered in community settings, including a home for adults, and received support from his father.
His immediate custody could result in losing his council tenancy, which would heavily impact him, especially considering his vulnerability and need for specific housing.
It was noted that Brown faced childhood health issues, including measles and brain inflammation, and had previously left jobs due to bullying.
Judge Celia Hughes expressed her intent to avoid prison, acknowledging Brown’s social struggles and remorse.
She emphasised that his social isolation stemmed from bullying and other issues.
While she recognised that only a custodial sentence was appropriate, she sentenced Brown to 16 months for incitement, with an additional six months for the initial offence suspended for 18 months.
Brown was ordered to undertake 20 days of rehabilitative activities and 26 sessions on an approved program.
The court also ordered the confiscation of his mobile phone, imposed notification requirements, and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
He must pay £300 in costs and a surcharge of £187.
