Overview

• The 68-year-old former leader of Sheffield’s Nine O’Clock Service was found guilty at Inner London Crown Court of 17 indecent assaults on nine women.
• Brain was acquitted on 15 indecent‑assault charges from a case that originally included 36 indecent‑assault counts and one rape allegation spanning 1981 to 1995.
• The Church of England issued an unreserved apology for past failures and said it will commission an independent review of safeguarding responses, culture and processes.
• The Crown Prosecution Service said Brain fostered a culture of fear and control, including a ‘homebase’ team and a ‘putting to bed’ rota, which enabled the abuse.
• South Yorkshire Police described a complex probe launched in 2019 involving dozens of statements and extensive interviews across the UK, and sentencing has not yet been set.