Melvyn Peter Brown

Melvyn Peter Brown, previously of Northampton, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of sexual offences against a child that spanned 11 years. The abuse began when the victim was just five years old, with Brown grooming her before escalating to more severe acts, including rape when she was around 10. The offences only ceased when the girl reached 16 years of age.

The case came to light at the end of 2025 when the survivor reported the abuse to Northamptonshire Police. Following a thorough investigation, Brown was arrested and charged with numerous counts related to child sexual abuse. A trial was scheduled for May 2026 at Northampton Crown Court, where Brown pleaded guilty to seven offences prior to and during the proceedings: two counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, two counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, and one count of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The jury deliberated for approximately four hours before delivering guilty verdicts on the remaining charges, convicting Brown of three counts of indecent assault, one count of assault by penetration of a girl under 13, one count of sexual activity with a child aged 13-15, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13, one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, and one count of sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16. In total, Brown was found guilty or admitted to 16 offences.

On 5 January 2026, Brown returned to Northampton Crown Court for sentencing, where he received a 15-year custodial sentence. The lead investigator, Detective Sergeant Chelsea Noble of the Northamptonshire Police SOLAR Team, commented on the case, stating: 'The abuse perpetrated against this girl at the hands of Melvyn Brown was truly terrible and so I am very pleased to see him jailed for 15 years. Although no sentence can ever make up for what she was put through, I hope the fact that her abuser is now behind bars provides her with some comfort.' Noble also emphasised the team's commitment to pursuing non-recent abuse cases, adding: 'It doesn’t matter how long ago the abuse took place, we will always do our best to try and bring the case to court.'

The report was released with the support of the survivor, who retains lifelong anonymity under UK law. This case underscores Northamptonshire Police's dedication to supporting survivors of child sexual abuse and ensuring perpetrators face justice, regardless of the time elapsed since the offences occurred.