YORK CHILD ABUSER BARRIE ASHTON SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON

In a case that has shocked the community of York, Barrie Ellis Ashton, a 63-year-old caretaker at York Minster School, was sentenced to a five-year prison term after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned several years, beginning when the victim was as young as six or seven years old and continuing until she was twelve.

During the trial, the young girl, now 14, provided her testimony via video link, recounting the traumatic experiences she endured at the hands of Ashton. Her emotional and detailed account left a profound impact on everyone present in the courtroom. The judge, Peter Charlesworth, described the abuse as systematic and prolonged, emphasizing that the victim had been subjected to this horror for most of her childhood.

Judge Charlesworth expressed his condemnation of Ashton’s betrayal of trust, particularly highlighting the damage inflicted not only on the girl but also on her family. The court heard that Ashton had falsely accused her father, a friend for over twenty-five years, of encouraging her to lie in order to avoid paying a debt of £600. This malicious act added another layer of distress to the already devastating case.

It was also revealed that Ashton, who resides on Starkey Crescent in the Tang Hall area of York, had anticipated his conviction and had taken steps to 'put his affairs in order' before the trial commenced. Despite denying 11 charges of indecent assault, the jury swiftly convicted him on eight counts, reaching a unanimous verdict in just over 90 minutes. The jury acquitted him of three charges due to uncertainty about the exact ages when the abuse occurred, specifically between the ages of four and six.

Throughout the proceedings, Ashton’s actions and the evidence presented painted a picture of a gross breach of trust and a profound violation of the innocence of a young girl. The judge underscored the emotional toll on the victim, noting the compelling and truthful nature of her testimony, which vividly illustrated her suffering and distress.

Ashton’s sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes. He will serve five years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.