ASHLEY ECCLESTONE FROM COBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In June 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving Ashley Ecclestone, a 20-year-old man from Furnival Street in Cobridge, who was convicted of serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. The crimes reportedly occurred when Ecclestone was approximately 16 years old, and the details of the case revealed a pattern of inappropriate and predatory behavior.

During a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, it was established that Ecclestone engaged in a disturbing 'doctors and nurses' game with the young girl, which involved sexual misconduct. The court heard that Ecclestone had inappropriately touched the girl and coerced her into participating in the game, which was of a sexual nature. As part of the game, he demanded that she remove her clothes as a 'forfeit' during another game they played, and he also removed his own clothing. These actions were part of a series of escalating inappropriate behaviors.

Furthermore, the court was informed that Ecclestone had offered to demonstrate 'what sex was' to the girl, indicating a clear attempt to introduce her to sexual acts at a young age. In addition, he made her watch a pornographic video on a mobile phone, further exposing her to sexual content and manipulation. These acts constituted serious violations of her innocence and trust.

Ecclestone faced multiple charges, including sexually assaulting a child under 13, inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and causing a child to watch a sexual act. The incidents were believed to have taken place in 2008 or 2009. Although Ecclestone denied the charges, a jury found him guilty on May 1 following a trial.

At his sentencing hearing, his legal representative, barrister Anis Ali, described Ecclestone as still being 'relatively immature' and struggling to come to terms with his offending. Ali emphasized that Ecclestone displayed some empathy and understood the impact of his actions on the victim, but acknowledged that he still needed support to address his behavior. The defense also highlighted that Ecclestone had no prior convictions and had not committed any offenses since the crimes.

Judge Paul Glenn, presiding over the case, expressed the view that Ecclestone's motives appeared to be driven by sexual experimentation rather than genuine attraction to children. Nonetheless, the judge emphasized that custody was the only appropriate sentence given the severity of the offenses. He pointed out that the victim was clearly distressed and that Ecclestone had persisted despite her discomfort. The judge noted that Ecclestone showed no remorse and that the victim found the experience deeply upsetting, especially when giving evidence in court.

Judge Glenn concluded that the seriousness of the crimes warranted a custodial sentence. He remarked that if Ecclestone had been an adult at the time, the sentence would have been significantly longer. As a result, Ecclestone was sentenced to 10 months in a young offenders' institution, marking a stern response to his actions and underscoring the gravity of sexual offenses committed against minors in the Cobridge and broader Stoke-on-Trent area.