A 34-year-old man from Orpington has been sentenced to nine years in prison after raping a 12-year-old schoolgirl in the back of his car. Joshua Brown, of Robin Hood Green, was also handed a further year on extended licence and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years.
Incident Overview
Brown began texting the young girl after her phone number was given to him by a mutual acquaintance. Despite knowing her age, their conversations continued for six weeks, during which they exchanged thousands of texts. Brown repeatedly referenced the girl’s age, aware that his actions would lead to severe consequences.
Details of the Crime
After weeks of grooming, Brown travelled to meet the girl and subsequently raped her in the back of his car. The traumatic incident was later disclosed by the victim to her mother, who reported it to the police.
Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police traced Brown through his car registration and arrested him. Although Brown initially denied the offences, the investigation revealed incriminating text messages on both his and the victim’s phones, confirming his awareness of her age and the illegality of his actions.
Charges and Court Hearing
Brown was charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 13, grooming a child, possession of indecent images of a child, and inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty to all charges at his first hearing before Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 19.
Sentencing and Prevention Measures
In addition to his prison sentence, Brown will face stringent measures to prevent future harm. The Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed on him will last for 20 years, restricting his activities and interactions to protect the community.
Police Statement and Victim Support
PC Adrian Jackson from the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team commended the victim’s courage in coming forward. “We commend the girl’s bravery in coming forward and her tenacity throughout the investigation. We have specialist officers who understand how difficult it is to report offences of a sexual nature, and we are there to help victims through every step of the investigation and prosecution,” PC Jackson stated.
Community Reaction
The case has shocked the Orpington community, highlighting the need for vigilance and education on the dangers of online grooming. Authorities urge parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online interactions and to report any suspicious activities.
For more updates on this
ChatGPT can make mist
