Preston OAP accused of sexual abuse crimes against three youngsters

A pensioner raped and abused three children more than 50 years ago, it is alleged.
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John Edward Brown, of Fir Trees Place, Ribbleton, Preston, denies a total of 21 allegations relating to three girls, and is on trial at Preston Crown Court.

The complainants cannot be identified for legal reasons.

The 80-year-old defendant is accused of six rapes, eight counts of gross indecency, seven of indecent assault, dating back as far as 1968.

Crown CourtCrown Court
Crown Court
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Prosecuting, Richard Haworth told jurors all three had given video interviews to police and explained the pandemic had delayed the matter reaching court.

The first woman alleges she was " plied with alcohol" such as Avocaat and elderberry wine by Brown from a young age, and taken on camping trips, where she would be abused.

The court heard he would also buy her clothing, but it "always came at a price" with Brown assaulting her in his car in various locations, including a lay by near Red Scar Industrial Estate in Preston.

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Referring to the alcohol Mr Haworth said: " She would feel very grown up sometimes.

"But her mind would blank out at certain points.

He said the abuse was " carried out in such a way that she thought she was the only victim".

The woman also alleges she was taken to the address of a couple in the Chorley area and witnessed sexual activity.

The second complainant alleges she was abused when as young as 10, including being raped after Brown sat her on his knee, and indecently assaulted in a car

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She too claims she was given alcohol, with Brown allegedly getting her drunk on Bacardi and Coke.

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