In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Brian Lowe, then 52, of Gillot Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court. Lowe, a “highly manipulative” repeat offender, was caught in an undercover police operation targeting predators on social media.
The investigation established that West Midlands Police set up two decoy profiles: an adult and a 13-year-old boy named “Simon.” Lowe initially contacted the adult before shifting his “vile” focus to the child. During their six-week interaction, the decoy explicitly told Lowe his age and that he suffered from autism. Despite this, Lowe “viciously” groomed the boy, sending explicit messages and advising him on how to keep their conversations secret.
Pattern of Manipulation and “Simon” Sting
The court heard that Lowe suggested meeting the boy in secluded areas, including the Smethwick Canal and Sandwell Park in the West Midlands. He also “loosely” proposed taking the child into the woods and encouraged him to view a gay pornography website.
Judge Richard Bond emphasised that Lowe had intentionally targeted a “particularly vulnerable” child. The judge reported that the flow of text messages made it “quite plain” that Lowe was grooming the victim from the very beginning.
Decade of Deceit and SHPO Breaches
The prosecution reported that Lowe was already subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) following a 2009 conviction for possessing indecent images. However, he had “persistently” breached this order over a 10-year period by:
- Concealing History: Maintaining a relationship with a single mother while keeping her “in the dark” about his status as a sex offender.
- Prohibited Equipment: Using a camera in violation of his restrictions.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “abhorrent” crimes in the West Midlands, Brian Lowe was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Two years and 10 months in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were maintained (likely for life, given his history).
- SHPO: His existing order was reinforced with “strict” new conditions regarding internet use and contact with minors.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Lowe is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Midlands Police. His history of “serious and persistent” breaches and his willingness to groom a child he believed to be autistic mean his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender, Lowe must comply with all notification requirements regarding his address in Edgbaston, Birmingham. West Midlands Police state that they will proactively monitor his compliance with the reinforced SHPO. Any further attempt to contact children or any failure to disclose his past to partners will result in his immediate return to Birmingham Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.