Liverpool, England – Two brothers in Liverpool, Kenneth Brown, 27, and Shaun Brown, 24, were recently spared immediate prison sentences after launching a violent attack on a young man in Carlisle city center due to prison capacity issues. The incident, which occurred on Lowther Street on October 30, 2022, was captured on CCTV footage and showed a brutal assault on a stranger by the siblings.
Details revealed in Carlisle Crown Court showed that the Browns, accompanied by their father, had attended an annual reunion for Kings Own Royal Border Regiment (KORBR) veterans prior to the attack. The violence erupted in the early hours of the morning outside the Apple Tree bar, with the brothers becoming confrontational and aggressive towards staff and patrons.
The victim, who happened to be a Manchester United fan, was subjected to a barrage of punches, kicks, and stamps by the Brown brothers as they espoused their loyalty to Liverpool Football Club. The attack left the man with severe injuries, including a fractured hand, broken nose, bruising, and black eyes. Despite receiving treatment at a hospital and being discharged the same night, the victim expressed concerns about the impact the injuries could have on his career as a plasterer.
After an appeal for information and CCTV images, the Browns were identified, leading to their admission of attempting grievous bodily harm with intent. During sentencing, Recorder Julian Shaw described the assault as “cowardly, brutal, sustained,” highlighting the victim’s vulnerability in the face of the brothers’ ferocious attack.
Despite the severity of their actions, the judge took into account factors such as the defendants’ lack of prior convictions, stable relationships, and remorse. As a result, the two-year prison sentences for both brothers were suspended for two years, with additional requirements including unpaid work, curfews, alcohol monitoring, and compensation to the victim.
The court’s decision to spare the brothers from immediate incarceration sparked debate over the state of the prison system and the effectiveness of rehabilitation for offenders. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent behavior and the importance of accountability in ensuring justice for victims of such crimes.