TV dating show wrestler possessed indecent images of children

Aug 4 2011 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A CAGE FIGHTER and wrestler who appeared on a television dating show was last week convicted of having indecent images of kids.

James Brown – known as Jim – was also convicted of a public indecency offence at a county swimming pool earlier this year.

Last Friday, after a four-day trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court, a jury found the 24-year-old guilty by majority verdict of possessing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs.

Brown committed the offences at his parents’ home in Holytown between December 25, 2006, and October 4, 2010.

Officers investigating the matter found 13 obscene images of children and two videos of a similar nature on computer equipment seized from his home last year.

One of the videos was categorised as being of the highest level of severity. The jury also found Brown guilty by a majority of public indecency this year.

He was convicted of positioning himself in a cubicle at Wishaw Sports Centre’s swimming baths, and engaging in a solo sex act. The incident happened on April 2, this year. However, an aspect of the charge which stated that the offence was committed “next to the children’s swimming pool” was deleted. Brown was also on bail at the time of both offences.

The jury found not proven an allegation that Brown took or permitted to be taken or made indecent photos of children at his home between 2006 and 2010.

The court heard last week how police officers swooped on his home last October, finding only his parents and his young sister there at the time.

After a search, two laptops and an external hard drive were seized by officers, before later being transferred to a computer crimes unit in Glasgow.

Brown made headlines this year when appeared on the first episode of ITV1 dating show Take Me Out on January 2.

During the show, Brown whipped off a kilt and revealed a skintight wrestling outfit in a bid to impress 30 female contestants.

He was also enjoying a blossoming wrestling career under the stage names of “Flawless” James Wallace and Jay Phoenix, winning a number of British title belts.

However, the brakes have been put on career as he was held in custody prior to last week’s trial.

A ‘Jim Brown Appreciation’ page on Facebook has also been targeted by angry locals who learned of his conviction.

Among the many hate messages left on the page are comments labelling Brown a “beast”.

Following the jury’s verdict last Friday, Sheriff Thomas Millar deferred sentence on Brown until later August 26.

Sheriff Millar called for a risk assessment, a community service assessment and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

Brown will detained in custody in the meantime, and will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register until receiving his sentence.