CHRISTOPHER ASHFORD FROM ABRAM SENTENCED IN WIGAN CRIME CASE INVOLVING TEEN SEXUAL MESSAGE SCANDAL

In September 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Christopher Ashford, a sports coach based in Abram, Wigan, who was found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and sexual communications with minors. The incident drew significant attention due to the nature of the messages and the involvement of online sting operations aimed at uncovering such misconduct.

Christopher Ashford, aged 40, who was actively coaching young athletes at Spring View Cricket Club in Wigan, was brought before Bolton Crown Court to face charges related to his online interactions with two young girls. The court proceedings revealed that Ashford had sent explicit messages and nude photographs of himself to what he believed were teenage girls, but who were actually decoys from the paedophile-hunting group Dark Light.

The court heard that Ashford, residing on Davy Road in Abram, had admitted to one of the charges after being confronted by members of Dark Light in June. The group had set up a sting operation, which successfully caught Ashford engaging in sexual conversations with what he thought were underage girls. The evidence presented showed that Ashford had attempted to incite a girl aged between 13 and 15 to engage in sexual activity.

Further investigations uncovered that earlier in the year, another woman had come forward, revealing that she had been communicating with Ashford under the false belief that she was a 12-year-old girl. This communication also took place online, specifically through a website called “UK Social”. The court was told that Ashford believed he was speaking to a young girl, and he engaged in provocative and sexual exchanges with her as well.

During the proceedings, Judge Richard Gioserano was informed of the details of Ashford’s misconduct. It was revealed that Ashford had initiated contact with one of the girls on a chat platform called Mingle2, using the username “naughtydad1977”. The girl, who went by the name ‘Milly’, claimed to be 13 years old. Despite her clear indication of her age, Ashford’s messages quickly turned sexual. The court was shown evidence that, within just 30 minutes of starting the conversation, Ashford had sent explicit photographs of himself.

Prosecutor Jonathan Dickinson explained that the conversations between Ashford and the decoy continued regularly over a three-week period in May. The messages included attempts by Ashford to give instructions on how the girl could engage in sexual acts, including explicit instructions to go into the bathroom, lock the door, and remove her clothes. At one point, Ashford even suggested they meet up, although no arrangements were ever made. Throughout these exchanges, Ashford persistently asked for photographs, and on May 28, the girl sent a fully clothed image of herself. The following day, Ashford inquired about her well-being, and that was the last contact.

Members of Dark Light apprehended Ashford on June 1 at the cricket club, where he was caught on film admitting to speaking with a girl he believed to be 13. He described the situation as a “stupid mistake”. The footage and evidence collected during the sting led to his conviction.

Following his arrest, another woman came forward, revealing that she had also engaged in conversations with Ashford, believing she was a 12-year-old girl. These interactions took place earlier in the year, between February and March, through the same online platform. The court heard that Ashford initiated contact with her by asking provocative questions about naked boys and men. She responded that she was only 12, and despite her repeated assertions, Ashford continued to send her explicit images, including photographs of himself in the shower that clearly showed his face. He continued to be provocative, claiming he could teach her how to experience pleasure.

Judge Gioserano addressed Ashford directly, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions. He stated that Ashford had committed two “serious offences” by believing he was communicating with minors aged 12 and 13, and that he was seeking sexual gratification from these interactions. The judge noted that such conduct revealed a distorted way of thinking that needed correction for the safety of young girls. He also pointed out that the sentence could have been harsher had actual minors been involved, but in this case, there was no evidence of physical harm.

As a result, Ashford was sentenced to two 16-month jail terms, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to undertake 40 days of rehabilitation activities through probation, and to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for the next five years and is required to register as a sex offender for seven years. The court’s ruling aimed to address both punishment and the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent future misconduct.