In 2020, the Offender Database reported that Brian Costelow, then 62, of Haslyn Walk, Coalville, Leicestershire, was sentenced to five years in prison. Following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, Costelow was convicted of two counts of indecent assault relating to “vile” offences committed against a young girl more than 30 years ago.
The investigation established that the “reprehensible” abuse occurred between 1982 and 1985, when the victim was aged between just five and eight years old. Leicestershire Police reported that Costelow had “dishonestly” used threats to silence the child, telling her he would hurt her if she revealed his “vile” actions. The crimes only came to light in 2017 when the survivor “bravely” disclosed the trauma to a counsellor while seeking help for anxiety, leading to a “serious” police investigation.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Costelow had likely believed he had escaped justice for his “disgusting” catalogue of abuse. Detective Constable Rachel Donaghey noted that the victim showed “serious” courage in recalling the details of her ordeal decades later. The judge noted that the historical nature of the offences did not diminish the “reprehensible” impact on the victim’s life. Although Costelow was found not guilty of three additional counts, the jury returned a “serious” guilty verdict on two primary charges of indecent assault.
The judge noted that the five-year custodial sentence was a necessary consequence for the “vile” betrayal of a five-year-old child. The prosecution emphasised that the reporting of these matters in 2017 served as a “serious” reminder that survivors will be heard, regardless of the passage of time. For his crimes in Coalville, Leicestershire, the court determined that Costelow must be held accountable and subject to long-term judicial monitoring.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Brian Costelow was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Five years in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Convicted at Leicester Crown Court following a trial.
- Convictions: Two counts of indecent assault against a child under 13.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Costelow is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Leicestershire Police and the prison estate. Due to the “serious” nature of his historical predatory behaviour in Coalville, his management in Leicestershire is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Costelow must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Haslyn Walk, Coalville, Leicestershire. Authorities state that his conviction brings a “serious” sense of resolution to a case that remained hidden for over three decades. Any “reprehensible” breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms upon release will result in his immediate arrest and return to Leicester 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.