ASHLEY WILSON FROM WINSFORD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND DISTRIBUTION OF INDECENT IMAGES

In January 2021, a disturbing case emerged from Winsford involving Ashley Wilson, a 32-year-old man who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. Wilson was found guilty of subjecting a 12-year-old girl to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse, which included rape, over a period of approximately 18 months. The abuse began when the girl was just ten years old, and Wilson’s actions have left a lasting scar on her life.

Wilson faced multiple charges in court, including 12 counts of sexual assault against a child under the age of 13. Additionally, he was charged with seven counts related to the distribution and possession of indecent images of children. The most serious charge was that of rape, which underscored the severity of his misconduct. Wilson admitted to three counts of making indecent images, one count of distributing such images, and one count of possession of indecent images, highlighting the extent of his involvement in the exploitation of minors.

As a result of his convictions, Wilson was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The court also ordered that he serve an additional year on license following his release. Furthermore, he was mandated to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order, which will remain in effect for an indefinite period. These measures are designed to monitor and restrict his activities to prevent further harm.

Judge Patrick Thompson delivered a stern judgment, condemning Wilson’s actions as a gross abuse of trust. He emphasized the gravity of the betrayal, stating, “You gained her trust and compliance. You abused that trust for your own twisted sexual desires. She became your sexual plaything for the sustained period of time.” The judge pointed out Wilson’s manipulative tactics, including offering treats and falsely assuring the girl that no one would discover the abuse, which facilitated his continued exploitation.

Judge Thompson also criticized Wilson’s attitude, noting that he failed to demonstrate genuine remorse or culpability. Instead, Wilson appeared to see himself as a hero for pleading guilty, a stance the judge described as a misguided attempt to avoid further distress for his victim. “You are the opposite of a hero,” the judge declared. “You have failed to accept the reality that you are a committed paedophile with an unhealthy interest in children. This was regular and sustained sexual abuse.”

Further, the court heard evidence of Wilson’s distribution of highly disturbing images, including nine Category A videos, which are classified as the most severe level of child abuse material. Wilson had also boasted about his abusive acts in communications with others who shared similar disturbing interests. The judge expressed concern over the significant damage caused to the victim, noting that she had been searching the internet for self-harm, indicating the profound psychological impact of the abuse.

Prosecutor Maria Ellis detailed the police search conducted at Wilson’s home on November 24 of the previous year. During the search, authorities recovered multiple devices, including a mobile phone containing indecent images. The evidence showed that Wilson had been in contact with like-minded individuals, sharing and boasting about his abusive acts. Although the exact number of abuse incidents was uncertain, it was clear that the misconduct occurred on multiple occasions.

Wilson’s defense attorney, Nicholas Williams, acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes, describing them as “repulsive” and emphasizing that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Despite this, the court recognized the gravity of the offenses and the lasting harm inflicted on the victim and her family. The judge expressed admiration for the courage shown by the victim and her mother, extending “tremendous” sympathy to them during this difficult time.