BRIDLINGTON PENSIONER EDWARD ASHBY CAUGHT WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AFTER RETURN FROM THAILAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bridlington, 79-year-old Edward Ashby was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and downloading a large collection of indecent images and videos of children. The incident unfolded after Ashby, a pensioner, was discovered to have continued his illicit activities despite being under police investigation for similar offenses years earlier.

According to court records, Ashby’s criminal behavior came to light following a police raid on his residence in South Cliff, Bridlington. Authorities uncovered a laptop containing 219 indecent images and 16 videos, with 65 of these classified as the most severe category of child exploitation material. Additionally, a memory stick was seized, which held nine images and six videos, some depicting infants less than a year old and two with elements of sadism. The severity of the images prompted immediate concern from law enforcement officials.

Prosecutor Michael Rawlinson detailed the extent of Ashby’s offenses, stating, “There were a number of searches and his MSN user image was an indecent image of a small child, aged less than ten years old. There were also two very grave images.” Despite ongoing investigations, Ashby’s criminal activities did not cease. He subsequently purchased a new computer and downloaded an additional 78 indecent images, further compounding his offenses.

Rawlinson explained that officers executed another warrant, seizing yet another computer from Ashby’s home. During questioning, Ashby denied being a paedophile, claiming, “I am not a paedophile. If you find stuff, you have found it. I have never kept stuff so you must have looked deep.” His dismissive attitude did little to sway the court, which ultimately sentenced him to prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years.

Judge Simon Jack emphasized the gravity of Ashby’s actions, stating, “People like you using these images encourages other people to abuse children and make these images.” The case highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals who possess and distribute child exploitation material, regardless of age. Ashby’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and law enforcement efforts in combating such heinous crimes.