The half-brother of Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been sentenced to extra prison time after admitting to a new sex crime against a teenager.
Addison Browne, who is already serving a 13-year sentence for unlawful sexual intercourse, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a second 13-year-old girl while he was on bail for his previous offence.
The latest incident occurred in 2021, and on Wednesday, Justice Ann Marie Smith sentenced Browne to an additional 9 years and 4 months in prison. His guilty plea came after the teenage victim had testified for nearly three-quarters of the court proceedings.
Addison Browne, a bus driver, has drawn significant attention due to his connection to the Prime Minister. Following his initial conviction in 2022, Prime Minister Browne made a public statement, urging that the case serve as a warning.
He emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing sexual violence, particularly against young girls, stating, “let the conviction of my half-brother be a warning to all” and reiterating the determination to pursue justice for all perpetrators.
Now, with this new sentence, Browne will remain incarcerated for an extended period, reflecting the justice system’s stance on such serious crimes.