Disabled man accused of supplying homeless woman with cash and cocaine to carry out sex acts

Police claimed wheelchair user Derek Brown, 62, exploited the vulnerable drug addict over a year-long period despite his limited mobility.

Details emerged as a judge ruled he poses too great a risk to be released on bail.

Brown, whose current address was given as Maghaberry Prison, faces charges of paying for sexual services and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

The alleged offences were committed on dates between July 2022 and June 2023. Three other men are understood to be facing prosecution in connection with the same investigation into the suspected prostitution racket.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard a drug outreach team alerted the PSNI to concerns about the 33-year-old woman in March last year. She later told Organised Crime Branch officers that she had been homeless and carrying out sex work to fund her addiction.

“The complainant detailed several incidents where she performed sex acts on the defendant, Derek Brown, in return for payment,” an investigating detective said. “She alleged Brown paid her in cocaine on at least two occasions, and cash on other occasions.

“The sex acts were carried out in Brown’s car at various locations around Belfast.”

During police interviews Brown acknowledged knowing the woman but denied committing any offences involving her.

He stated they were introduced by a friend and only met on two or three occasions, giving her lifts in his car but never while they were alone together.

Opposing Brown’s bid to be released from custody, the detective claimed he represents a danger to vulnerable women.

“The applicant’s limited mobility should not be a factor in considering bail,” he insisted.

Defence barrister Adrian Higgins argued his client could have been charged sooner, highlighting the period since the complainant came forward.

“She accepts that she engaged in sex work before she met the complainant,” counsel added.

Mr Higgins also described Brown as a disabled man with his own vulnerabilities.

District Judge George Conner described the timing of the charges being brought against him as “most unfortunate”.

“I recognise that as a man in a wheelchair it cannot be easy for him in custody,” Mr Conner said. “But I’m afraid the risk of further offences continues to be high.”

Brown was refused bail and will appear in court again for a preliminary enquiry hearing on September 3.