Carlisle, England – Two brothers in Carlisle, England, recently received suspended prison sentences after being involved in a violent attack on a young man. The incident occurred on a city centre street in October 2022 and was captured on CCTV. Kenneth Brown, 27, and Shaun Brown, 24, were spared immediate imprisonment due to prison capacity issues.
The Brown brothers had traveled to Carlisle with their father to attend a reunion for Kings Own Royal Border Regiment veterans. However, their night took a violent turn on Lowther Street, where they assaulted a stranger after an argument over football allegiances. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a fractured hand, broken nose, and severe bruising.
Following a public appeal for information and CCTV images, the brothers were identified and admitted to a charge of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. They were described by the sentencing judge, Recorder Julian Shaw, as engaging in a cowardly and brutal attack on a defenseless individual. Despite expressing remorse, the judge acknowledged the severity of their actions.
Recorder Shaw decided to suspend the two-year prison sentences for both brothers, citing overcrowding in the country’s prisons. Instead, they were required to undergo rehabilitation, perform 300 hours of unpaid work, observe night time curfews for 12 months, and abstain from alcohol for 60 days. Additionally, they were ordered to pay the victim £1,200 in compensation.
The judge acknowledged that the violence displayed by the brothers was out of character based on their lack of prior convictions. Both were reported to be employed and in stable relationships, with one expecting to become a father. The incident was described as an aberration in their behavior, which the judge considered in his sentencing decision.
Despite avoiding immediate imprisonment, the Brown brothers now face strict conditions and requirements imposed by the court. The victim’s livelihood was significantly impacted by the attack, highlighting the lasting consequences of their actions. The outcome of the case serves as a reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of accountability in such situations.