ASHLEY DARBYSHIRE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS IN BOLTON

The courtroom proceedings revealed a disturbing case involving Ashley Darbyshire, a 28-year-old man from Westhoughton in Bolton, who was handed a significant prison sentence of 15 years for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against underage girls. Darbyshire faced a total of 19 charges, which he admitted to, encompassing a range of serious crimes including rape, engaging in sexual activities with a minor, inciting a child to participate in sexual acts, and taking indecent photographs of minors. These offences spanned a period from 2016 to 2018 and involved five different victims.

During the trial, Judge Simon Medland described Darbyshire’s conduct as particularly egregious, noting that he had cultivated an unhealthy infatuation with one girl and allowed others to participate in sexual acts with her. The judge emphasized that Darbyshire’s actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the wellbeing and safety of the victims, highlighting the manipulative and predatory nature of his behaviour. It was disclosed in court that Darbyshire had met one of the victims when she was only 13 years old, while he was 19, and he was fully aware of her age at the time. This fact underscored the severity of his crimes and his conscious exploitation of a minor.

The victim, who displayed remarkable courage, testified about the profound impact of Darbyshire’s actions. She described how he had “destroyed her in every way he possibly could,” stripping her of her innocence and subjecting her to trauma that would leave lasting scars. She recounted that initially, she believed she loved Darbyshire, but her feelings quickly turned to fear as she realized how expertly he manipulated her to do his bidding. Her testimony painted a harrowing picture of exploitation and emotional abuse.

In light of these grave offences, Darbyshire was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison. Furthermore, he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. As he was taken into custody, Darbyshire offered a simple expression of gratitude to the court, saying, “Thank you, your honour.”

In addition to Darbyshire’s sentencing, three other individuals involved in the grooming and abuse network received various penalties. Brandon Harwood, aged 25, was sentenced to 10 years for multiple offences. Harvie Aspden, also 25, received a 15-month sentence, which was suspended for two years, for his involvement in sexual activity with a minor. Ross Corley, aged 30, was handed a 28-month prison term along with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 10-year registration on the Sex Offenders Register. These sentences reflect the seriousness with which the court viewed their crimes.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Samantha Parry expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am glad that this group of abhorrent individuals have been handed substantial sentences and are off the streets of Bolton and where they belong.” Her comments underscored the importance of justice in addressing such grave offences and protecting the community from further harm.