Alleged child sex victim described as “a brilliant father”

Wednesday 02 November 2016

The victim of alleged child sexual abuse was described in court yesterday as an outstanding father, even though he did not see his son for over a year after the birth.

Bryan John Le Brocq is charged with eight counts of sexual assault on the alleged victim, who was 13 when it is claimed the abuse started. He denies all the charges.

The alleged victim told the jury at the Royal Court he would go to Mr Le Brocq's farm about four or five times a week to look after his chickens and was offered work cleaning out Mr Le Brocq's pigs. He claims the abuse started in Mr Le Brocq's kitchen, in early 2000. He further claims he was abused several times before he moved in to live with Mr Le Brocq on his farm and that he continued to sexually assault him on a weekly, or fortnightly, basis after that.

The jury were shown a copy of a card the man, who is now 30-years-old, sent to Mr Le Brocq on Father's Day, a card he sent as an adult in which he thanked him for all his support, signing off "With all my love."

Defending Advocate Heidi Heath said: "That's not the sentiments of somebody who has been sexually abused."

The man said: “As you can imagine he's been a major part of my life for quite a long time. I did care about Bryan, I had a lot of affection for him.”

The jury yesterday also heard from the alleged victim’s former girlfriend, and mother of his son.

The ex-girlfriend said she had a very short relationship with the victim and was told about the sexual abuse allegations around five to six years ago.

She said: “He did not say who did it and I didn’t push him. Years later he told me Bryan had abused him when he was younger and he was very upset. I told him to do something about it. It was during a telephone call. There was not too much detail. I was shocked. I persuaded him to go to the police. He wanted to go to the police but was scared. I re-assured him it was the right thing to do.”

Although the victim was not present at the birth of his son in 2007, the couple became re-acquainted and he is now in regular contact.

The former girlfriend said he calls at least every other day to check up on his son and she said: “He is a brilliant father.”

Defending Advocate Heath asked: “Le Brocq has sent you the odd bit of financial help since your son was born.”

The ex-girlfriend shook her head and firmly replied: “No.”   

The trial at the Royal Court continues.