JOHN ASTBURY FROM CHEADLE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Cheadle and the surrounding areas, 66-year-old John Astbury has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences committed against a young girl. The proceedings took place at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where Astbury, who previously denied the charges, changed his plea to guilty during the trial last month.

Astbury, a former bus driver residing on Shelley Drive in Cheadle, faced a total of eight charges, including three counts of raping a child, four counts of serious sexual offences, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The court was informed that his victim, whose identity remains protected, was left deeply traumatized by the abuse she endured at his hands. The disturbing case came to light when the girl, after watching a television soap opera that featured a storyline involving child abuse, confided in her mother, stating, “That’s happened to me.”

The investigation was initiated when Astbury was arrested at his residence on December 2 of the previous year. Detective Constable Jim Ward, a member of the Staffordshire child protection unit, was among the officers involved in the case. He provided insight into the case, stating, “Astbury initially denied the rape and other sex offences and continued to deny them right up until the court proceedings. The girl was in a very distressed state after what she had experienced and was even more traumatised by having to give evidence in court.”

He further described the nature of the offences, calling them “a catalogue of horrifying behaviour” aimed at satisfying Astbury’s sexual gratification. Detective Ward also revealed that the girl was affected by a scene from the TV show EastEnders on the night she disclosed the abuse, which involved a script line that made her feel uncomfortable and prompted her to tell her mother. He expressed hope that the sentence would provide some measure of comfort and aid her in moving forward with her life. “We have dedicated significant time to this case and are satisfied with the outcome, which truly reflects the severity of the offences,” he added.

It was also disclosed that Astbury, originally from Blythe Bridge, had previously worked as a caretaker at the Tean Road recreation ground in Cheadle approximately ten years ago. However, he was dismissed by Cheadle Town Council following a complaint from a mother regarding “inappropriate” behaviour towards her daughter. Jean Smith, the former town clerk, confirmed that Astbury would have undergone a CRB check, which did not reveal any prior issues.

During sentencing, Judge Mark Eades described the offences as “shocking and dreadful.” He remarked on Astbury’s reaction during the trial, noting, “You had a look of horror on your face as the prosecution opened their case, and I almost had to intervene because I thought you were trying to interfere with the jury. That was in stark contrast to your reaction during cross-examination when you partially regained your composure.” The judge also ordered Astbury to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the lasting impact on the victim and the community.