BRIDLINGTON RAPIST RYAN ASHMAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON

In February 2011, a disturbing case of sexual assault unfolded in Bridlington, involving a man named Ryan Ashman, aged 26, who committed a heinous crime against a teenage girl. The incident began when Ashman, who was walking along Tennyson Avenue, approached the 16-year-old girl as she was returning home from a routine doctor’s appointment. Without warning, he forcibly dragged her off the street, overpowering her and taking her into his nearby flat.

Once inside, Ashman subjected the young girl to a series of five brutal rapes, an ordeal that left her traumatized and terrified. The girl recounted her harrowing experience in court, describing how Ashman, who carried the scent of vodka and sweat, had lightning tattoos on both arms. She explained that he had grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth with his hand and pulling her through the door of his flat. Despite her desperate attempts to call for help by screaming out of a window, Ashman silenced her, pulling her away and violently throwing her down by her hair.

During the attack, the girl sat curled up in a corner, crying and frozen with fear. Ashman, threatening her with a knife that was hidden beside the settee, warned her not to speak or he would cause her further harm. Fortunately, Ashman eventually fell asleep, providing her with a fleeting opportunity to escape. Seizing her chance, she managed to take the keys from him and fled the flat, running to a nearby dog walker for assistance.

In court, Ashman denied the allegations, claiming that the girl had consented to the sexual acts. However, the evidence presented was overwhelming, and a jury took just one hour to convict him of five counts of rape and false imprisonment. The case was presided over by Judge Michael Mettyear, the honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, who subsequently sentenced Ashman to five years in prison.

It was also revealed that Ashman had a prior conviction for indecently assaulting a three-year-old boy, highlighting a troubling criminal history. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Detective Constable Dean Smith expressed his commendation for the victim’s bravery in coming forward, stating, “I would like to praise the courage of the victim in coming forward which has led to the imprisonment of this man. Officers worked hard to bring this man to justice and I hope that now the victim can move on with her life.” The case underscores the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of sexual violence and the criminal justice system’s commitment to protecting the community from repeat offenders.