DAVID ASPDEN FROM INGOL INVOLVED IN SEXUAL OFFENSES IN PRESTON AND CUMBRIA

In June 2019, a serious criminal case involving David Aspden, a resident of Ingol, Preston, came to light, revealing disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct involving a young boy. Aspden, aged 33, was ultimately sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to inciting a 12-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on him and mandated that he register as a sex offender, underscoring the severity of his crimes.

His criminal activities came to public attention following a police complaint made in 2017. Aspden, who was then serving as the secretary of Springfields FC, a junior football club, was suspended from his position after the allegations surfaced. The incident involved Aspden asking a young boy to perform a sexual act inside a caravan located in Cumbria. The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, refused the request and later confided in his mother about the incident, which prompted a police investigation.

Following the complaint, Aspden was arrested and charged with inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. The case took a dramatic turn when Aspden fled the United States in December 2018, attempting to evade justice. Despite his flight, he was later apprehended and faced trial at Burnley Crown Court. In an unusual legal development, Aspden was allowed to enter a guilty plea via video link from abroad, acknowledging his guilt in inciting the young boy to engage in sexual activity.

He was ordered to return to the UK for sentencing, which was scheduled for June 7 at Burnley Crown Court. During the proceedings, it was revealed that Aspden had been actively coaching children, despite claims from the club chairman, Paul Crowhurst, that Aspden had been suspended and was not involved in coaching at the time. However, the victim’s family disputed this, stating that Aspden was coaching children when the offense occurred. The victim’s brother expressed relief that his sibling was unharmed, noting that the boy had refused Aspden’s advances and reported the incident to his mother weeks later.

In a statement, the family criticized Aspden’s actions, highlighting that he had portrayed himself as a helpful figure, offering to pick up children, which made the betrayal even more distressing. Aspden’s flight to the United States and subsequent return for sentencing marked a significant chapter in this case, which underscores the importance of safeguarding children from predators. Aspden’s sentencing on June 7 will determine the final legal consequences of his actions, but the case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures in youth sports and community activities.