Teen Who Sexually Abused Younger Children Sentenced

A teenager, who sexually abused three younger children, beginning his grooming by taking the eldest into a cupboard during a boat trip before the assaults escalated during sleepovers, has received a suspended sentence.

Jake Brookfield, 19, of York Avenue, Hayes, Middlesex was himself aged between ten and fourteen years-old when he subjected the boy and two girls, who are younger than him, to the abuse.

“Sexual experimentation was unchecked and unfortunately continued and at all times he was a child,” Brookfield's lawyer Mr. Mark Kimsey told Isleworth Crown Court.

Suspicions were raised in 2010 and as a punishment Brookfield's birthday present of an X-Box was withdrawn, but recently more serious complaints were made to police by the victims.

“I don't think I have come across a young man as remorseful as this and he wants to understand why this happened,” added the lawyer.

“The impact on him has been devastating and he has had to sign the sex offenders register.

“A press article has impacted the family to such an extent the defendant's mother is thinking about moving out of the area due to comments left on blogs that are rather unsavoury and on social media.

“These offences occurred over five years ago. They stopped and he has moved on and has no interest in children. This was sexual experimentation.

“He has had a girlfriend since and his aim was to join the Army, but that is very, very unlikely now.”

Prosecutor Miss Heather Standee told the court the offences, which occurred in Southall: “Reflect sexual abuse over a prolonged period.

“It was initiated by Brookfield when he told the boy to go into a cupboard on a boat trip and groped him when they were sleeping together.

“The defendant would insist and say: 'Do it, do it.' There was a card game with the rules made up by Brookfield and he said whoever won would get the pleasure.”

The boy was aged between ten and thirteen years-old during the abuse and the two girls between seven and nine years-old.

The older girl said Brookfield would argue with her if she resisted and the younger girl then also became a target of the defendant.

“She was scared Brookfield would do something to her. It would happen every time they were alone together.”

Recorder Michael Evans QC announced: “This is a very troubling case. I have every sympathy for the victims, but it is a very difficult sentencing exercise.

“My fundamental duty has to protect the public from risk.”

Brookfield pleaded guilty to four counts of inciting the boy to engage in sexual activity on various dates between November 7, 2005 and June 12, 2010.

He also admitted two counts of inciting one of the girl's to engage in sexual activity between August 5, 2006 and January 1, 2011 and one count of inciting the other girl to engage in sexual activity between September 5, 2009 and January 1, 2011, when she was aged seven to nine years-old.

Brookfield denied five further counts, including a charge of rape, and they will not be proceeded with.

He was sentenced to twenty-four months custody, sentenced for eighteen months, and ordered to perform 80 hours community service work.

Brookfield will also have to sign the sex offenders register for ten years and was made subject to a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.