ANTHONY ASHBY FROM GREAT YARMOUTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON VULNERABLE SCHOOLGIRLS IN SUFFOLK

In a case that has shocked the local community, 81-year-old Anthony Ashby from Great Yarmouth was sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual assault of two vulnerable schoolgirls. The incident, which took place in Suffolk, came to light after authorities initiated an investigation in 2016, leading to Ashby’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

Anthony Ashby, also known as Anthony Ashby-Kite, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on May 10. During the hearing, Judge Martyn Levett emphasized that despite Ashby’s advanced age, he was deemed fit to serve a prison sentence, and there was no reason to consider otherwise. The court was informed that the offences involved two young victims, one as young as six years old at the time of the abuse, and the other aged 12. These disturbing acts had been committed over a period, with the first allegations surfacing in 2016, prompting a police investigation.

Prosecutor Michael Crimp detailed the severity of the crimes, revealing that Ashby had admitted to four counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13. Additionally, he confessed to engaging in three instances of non-penetrative sexual activity and one count of inciting or causing a child to participate in sexual acts. The court heard that Ashby’s actions were deliberate and targeted vulnerable minors, causing significant distress and harm.

When confronted with the allegations, Ashby did not deny his guilt. Instead, he reportedly stated, “I deserve to go to jail,” acknowledging the gravity of his misconduct. His residence at the time was on Nelson Road in Great Yarmouth, which was part of the evidence presented during the trial.

As part of his sentencing, Ashby was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure designed to monitor and prevent further offenses. He was also subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that would remain in effect for the same duration. Furthermore, the court imposed a lifelong ban on any contact with the victims, aiming to protect them from further harm and ensure their safety moving forward.