SHOTTON MAN ASHLEY HILL VIOLATES CHILD PROTECTION ORDERS AT CHESTER MCDONALD'S

In June 2016, a serious incident unfolded involving Ashley Hill, a resident of Shotton, who disregarded multiple warnings and legal restrictions aimed at protecting a vulnerable 15-year-old girl. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and social services in safeguarding minors from exploitation and inappropriate conduct.

Initially, police authorities issued a child abduction warning notice to Hill, 26 years old at the time, explicitly instructing him to cease all contact with the young girl. This measure was taken after her sister expressed concerns about Hill’s interactions with her sibling. The abduction notice is a legal tool designed to prevent potential child sexual exploitation by restricting the offender’s ability to communicate or meet with the minor.

Despite these clear directives, Hill proceeded to meet the girl and one of her friends at a McDonald's restaurant located in Chester. During this encounter, he exerted pressure on the teenager to kiss him once again, an act that was both inappropriate and illegal. The court proceedings revealed that Hill’s mental age was considered to be below his actual age, and he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism that can affect social interactions and understanding.

Hill, whose address is Chevrons Road, Shotton, pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15. As part of his sentencing, he received a two-year community order that included a requirement for rehabilitation. Additionally, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order (SOPO), which imposes restrictions on his behavior to prevent further offending.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Roger Dutton acknowledged Hill’s mental health challenges but emphasized that these did not excuse his actions. The judge stated, “It’s true to say that you have problems which the average individual does not have. This doesn’t give you an excuse, it just means things are a bit more difficult for you than they would be for others. If you want to be in the company of young women, there’s nothing wrong with that – but they must be old enough. You know what that means. If this sort of thing happens again you really will be in serious trouble.”

Prosecutor Oliver King provided further details, explaining that in March of the previous year, Hill, then aged 25, had arranged to meet the girl at Cheshire Oaks retail park in Ellesmere Port after engaging with her on Facebook. The two shared a kiss during this meeting, which prompted her sister to report Hill to the police. Despite being warned and served the child abduction notice, Hill continued to pursue contact with the girl, ignoring the restrictions placed upon him.

On March 20, 2015, Hill met the girl and her friend at the McDonald's in Chester. After their meal, they went for a walk to The Meadows, where Hill again pressured the girl into kissing him. A friend of the girl later told police that she had been under pressure to comply with Hill’s advances. Following their falling out, Hill began sending abusive messages to the girl, which led her to confide in a teacher at her school. The teacher subsequently reported the matter to the police, resulting in Hill’s arrest and further legal action.

This case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of child protection measures and the ongoing risks posed by individuals who violate these safeguards, despite warnings and legal restrictions. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and intervention to protect minors from exploitation and harm in communities like Shotton and Chester.