ASHLEY COLES SENTENCED IN GRIMSBY FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGER
In February 2010, Ashley Coles, a 20-year-old man from Grimsby, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of abusing a vulnerable teenage girl.The case drew significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the impact on the victim.
Coles, whose last known residence was a hostel in Grimsby, faced charges related to sexual misconduct with the girl, who was under the age of 16 at the time.
The court heard claims that the girl later became pregnant as a result of the encounter and subsequently suffered a miscarriage.
However, these claims were not definitively proven during the trial, and the prosecution could not establish concrete evidence to confirm the pregnancy or miscarriage.
During the proceedings, Coles denied the charges of rape and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl on July 29.
Despite his denials, a jury at Grimsby Crown Court convicted him of the two sexual activity charges but acquitted him of the rape allegation.
The prosecution, led by Edward Bindloss, detailed that the offences took place in a flat in Grimsby where the girl resided.
It was alleged that Coles had indecently touched her before they moved to a bedroom, where they engaged in sexual intercourse.
The prosecution emphasized that Coles was aware of the girl’s age and that the sexual activity was non-consensual.
The girl claimed she became pregnant and later had a miscarriage, but investigations failed to confirm this definitively.
It was noted that the girl had visited a doctor, but she did not return for follow-up appointments, leaving some uncertainty about her claims.
Following the conviction, a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court was held to determine the appropriate sentence.
Judge Graham Robinson described the offences as extremely serious, stating that only a substantial custodial sentence was suitable.
He pointed out that the jury had rejected Coles’ assertion that the girl was an “out and out liar” and acknowledged the ordeal she endured by giving evidence in court.
Judge Robinson underscored the importance of protecting children from sexual exploitation, referencing the law that prohibits sexual activity with underage girls to prevent potential pregnancy and harm.
He also highlighted the aggravating factor that no protection was used during the unlawful sexual encounter.
As part of his sentence, Coles was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
In mitigation, Bernard Gateshill noted that Coles had been held on remand for 201 days and that he had a history of good character prior to this incident.
The mother of the teenage victim expressed her relief and pride following the conviction.
Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, she said, “I am so proud of the way she has coped.
We love her to the end of the world.
We believe every word she has told us.” She also maintained her belief that her daughter had become pregnant and experienced a miscarriage, emphasizing her unwavering support for her daughter through this difficult ordeal.
