ASHLEY MART FROM DUNSOP BRIDGE SENTENCED IN CLITHEROE AND SKIPTON FOR SEX OFFENCES

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, Ashley Mart, a 29-year-old man from Dunsop Bridge near Clitheroe, Lancashire, has been brought to justice for multiple sexual offences. His criminal history is extensive, with convictions dating back to 2014, and his latest actions have once again shocked the local community and law enforcement authorities alike.

Mart’s most recent conviction arose from an incident in January 2019, when he was arrested at his family’s business premises. The charges stemmed from his attempt to engage in online sexual communication with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him, the profile he contacted was operated by a paedophile hunting team called ‘Catching Online Predators,’ who pose as minors online to catch predators attempting to exploit children. Mart had initiated contact just days after being released from prison, where he served part of a 27-month sentence for exposing himself to a 15-year-old schoolgirl after following her in Clitheroe.

His criminal record reveals a pattern of disturbing behavior. In 2014, Mart was convicted after exposing himself to two young girls aged 10 and 11 as they walked along a street in Clitheroe. During that incident, he was observed laughing while performing a sex act in front of the children. He received a suspended prison sentence for this offence. Later, in September of the same year, Mart was involved in another alarming incident in Salthill Road, Clitheroe, where he exposed himself to two young girls, aged 10 and 11, while performing a sex act in front of them. The court heard that he was ‘sexually frustrated’ and was laughing during the act.

Further compounding his criminal history, Mart was also involved in an incident in Lincoln Way, Dunsop Bridge, where he beckoned a woman to approach him before exposing himself again. This pattern of behaviour demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety and well-being of minors and women alike. Despite being under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) since 2014, which restricted his contact with individuals under 16, Mart continued to offend.

During his latest trial, the court was informed that Mart had contacted the online profile of a girl he believed to be 13 years old, sending highly explicit messages with the apparent intent of engaging her in sexual activity. The child was, in fact, an undercover member of ‘Catching Online Predators,’ who had set up the profile to trap predators like Mart. The court heard that Mart’s communication was aggressive and sexually explicit, clearly indicating his intent to exploit a minor. This incident occurred shortly after his release from prison, highlighting a troubling pattern of reoffending.

Mart’s arrest on January 29, 2019, led to his conviction and sentencing. The judge sentenced him to 42 months in prison, and he was ordered to spend ten years on the Sexual Offenders Register. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which remains in effect for ten years, restricting his contact with minors and regulating his online activity.

His previous offences, including the 2014 incidents, have painted a picture of a man with a long history of predatory behaviour. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing threat he poses to the community. Mart’s case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community awareness in protecting vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders like him.