Harvey Brett

An Ipswich man, Harvey Brett, has been sentenced to three years in prison for a series of sexual offences against underage girls. The case, heard at Ipswich Crown Court, involved inappropriate communications and physical assault on two teenage victims.

According to prosecutor Simon Gladwell, Brett, aged 21, sent explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl, including statements expressing his desire to have sex with her. He also forwarded a video of himself masturbating to her. The girl's mother discovered these messages on her daughter's phone, leading to Brett's arrest by Suffolk Police. Further examination of Brett's mobile phone revealed similar communications with a 13-year-old girl, where he discussed sex, arranged to meet her in Stowmarket, and requested pictures of her bottom. During one meeting, Brett touched the 13-year-old's bottom over her clothing, constituting sexual activity with a child.

Brett admitted to two counts of sexual communication with a child, one count of sexual activity with a child, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act. The offences occurred in July 2023. In his defence, Brett claimed he believed the 15-year-old was 17 and alleged his social media account was hacked. He denied meeting the 13-year-old, attributing the messages to a friend using his phone.

The impact on the victims was profound. In a statement read to the court, the mother of the 15-year-old described the 'extremely damaging' effects on her daughter, who now suffers from anxiety and trust issues. Defence counsel Nicola May highlighted Brett's difficult childhood, unstable accommodation at the time, mental health struggles, and history of self-harming. She noted he had been in custody since January 2024.

In addition to the three-year custodial sentence, Brett, of Russell Road, Ipswich, was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order, banned from contacting the victims, and required to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The case was reported by the Ipswich Star, drawing on details from the court proceedings.