Michael Baigentwas an author and speculative theorist who co-wrote a number of books that question mainstream perceptions of history and the life of Jesus. He is best known as co-writer of the book The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail... (wikipedia)
Unfortunately, in this case, there are no facts.
Mr. Brown was writing a novel, and these kinds of finer details of history presumably weren't at the forefront of his mind.
My conclusion would be I've got no idea where Mr. Brown got his information from. He didn't get it from me.
We were writing historical conjecture, and Mr. Brown was writing a novel.
I think my language was infelicitous and I think I have to agree with you on that.
Clearly, it would be difficult to survive a crucifixion.