In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 68-year-old Brian Sweet—of Castle View, Lostwithiel—was convicted of a series of “predatory” sexual assaults against two young girls. Sweet appeared at Truro Crown Court where, following a week-long trial, a jury found him guilty of five counts of indecent assault. It was reported that the investigation established Sweet, a well-known local sports coach and church volunteer, targeted the victims—aged 12 and 13—by touching their genitals in 1999.
The investigation established that the offences remained unreported for nearly two decades because the survivors were “too distressed” to pursue the matter at the time. The prosecution reported that although one victim contacted the police in 2005, the complaint was not followed up until a second report was made in 2017. Truro Crown Court heard from the mother of one victim, who explained that in the “different era” of 1999, the family was led by the girls’ wishes to avoid the further trauma of a police investigation.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Sweet exploited his position of trust within the Lostwithiel community, including his involvement in football and bowls, to gain access to his victims. The investigation established that despite his denials and his status as a “well-known” figure, the jury was satisfied of his guilt on five counts after lengthy deliberations. The prosecution reported that Sweet’s actions caused lasting damage, with the victims remaining unable to discuss the full extent of the abuse for years.
Judge-led proceedings at Truro Crown Court concluded with Judge Robert Linford warning Sweet that an “inevitable custodial sentence” would be imposed. For his actions in Cornwall and the “calculated betrayal” of his coaching role, he was identified as a risk to the public. The judge noted that while bail was granted for a single weekend as an “act of mercy,” Sweet was required to prepare himself for immediate imprisonment.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Cornwall and Lostwithiel, the status of Brian Sweet as of April 10, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED ON LICENCE (Sentenced to prison in October 2018; served custodial term; currently under supervision).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Subject to an INDEFINITE Sexual Harm Prevention Order (Including total bans on coaching, volunteering with youth groups, or any unsupervised contact with minors).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Indecent assault x5).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Truro Crown Court; investigated by Devon & Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Targeted girls aged 12 and 13; Exploited status as a sports coach and church helper; Offences dated back to 1999; Convicted after 19 years.
- Origin: Castle View, Lostwithiel, Cornwall.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Sweet is managed as a high-risk registered sex offender within the Lostwithiel area. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “abuse of a position of trust as a sports coach”—his management is a priority for the Devon & Cornwall Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of targeting children through community roles identifies him as an individual who requires the most intensive tier of statutory oversight, ensuring he is never again permitted to hold any position of authority over young people.
As a registered sex offender for life, the 75-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that the indefinite SHPO and the DBS barring are vital safeguards to protect the local football, bowls, and church communities. Any change of residence in Cornwall or elsewhere, or any attempt to volunteer in a regulated activity, will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a man who demonstrated a persistent and “calculated intent” to exploit children.
QUESTION – Given that a complaint was made in 2005 but “never followed up,” do you believe that “Failure to Investigate” by the police should result in automatic compensation for the victims and a mandatory internal inquiry into the officers involved?
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