GLEMSFORD MAN JAMES ASHMAN CAUGHT BY LONDON OVERWATCH IN COLCHESTER FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Glemsford and beyond, James Ashman, a 41-year-old resident of Glemsford, was apprehended by members of the London Overwatch paedophile hunting group in Colchester. The incident unfolded after Ashman engaged in a series of illicit online communications with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl from Essex, but who was, in fact, an undercover member of the vigilant group.

According to court records from Ipswich Crown Court, Ashman had pleaded guilty to five separate charges related to his attempts to contact and meet a minor, as well as possession of indecent images. The messaging exchanges took place over a ten-day period from July 14 to July 24 of the previous year. During this time, Ashman used the Kik Messenger app, adopting the pseudonym ‘Jay’ in his efforts to reach the supposed young girl.

Judge David Wilson detailed the nature of Ashman’s communications during the hearing, revealing that the defendant asked personal questions such as whether she had a boyfriend and if she slept in pyjamas. He also sent explicit photographs of himself and requested similar images from her. The court was told that Ashman described the girl as “sexy” and “beautiful,” and he attempted to continue contact through WhatsApp’s private messaging service.

The law enforcement authorities, working in conjunction with the London Overwatch paedophile hunters, managed to catch Ashman when he arranged to meet the girl at Wickes DIY store located on Clarendon Way in Colchester. Following this planned meeting, police officers swiftly intervened and arrested him. During subsequent police interviews, Ashman claimed he believed he was messaging an adult on Kik Messenger, a statement that was met with skepticism given the evidence.

Gareth Hughes, representing Ashman in mitigation, explained that his client had been suffering from depression, which he attributed to the stressful nature of his work as a funeral director, embalmer, and first responder. Hughes stated that Ashman found it difficult to “compartmentalise” the traumatic experiences he encountered at work, leading him to seek solace in online chat rooms and conversations.

Hughes further revealed that Ashman had previously served time in a Young Offenders Institution (YOI) and described his recent incarceration at Chelmsford prison as “horrible and very hard.” He added that Ashman had begun efforts to improve his mental health and had sought support from the prison chaplaincy team.

Ultimately, Judge Wilson sentenced Ashman to two and a half years in prison, deducting the eight months he had already served in custody. Additionally, Ashman was placed on the sex offenders register, and a sexual harm prevention order was imposed along with a victim surcharge. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community groups to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory individuals.