BRISTOL MAN ASHLEY BOND SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD IN BOREHAMWOOD AND HATFIELD
In a case that has shocked the local community, Ashley Bond, a 22-year-old man from Bristol, has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a minor.The incidents took place in different locations, including a hotel in Borehamwood and Bond's residence in Hatfield, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.
According to court records, the first offense occurred on November 30, 2012.
Bond took a 14-year-old girl to a Travel Lodge Hotel in Borehamwood, where they engaged in sexual activity.
The girl, who was underage, had been communicating with Bond via text messages in the days leading up to the incident.
The court was told that the girl and her friend had initially planned to go to the cinema in Borehamwood, with Bond agreeing to meet them outside a Nando’s restaurant and accompany them.
The trio attended the cinema but left early, and later, alcohol was purchased at a nearby Tesco store.
Bond then booked a room at the hotel, and the girls made their way there on foot.
During their time in the hotel room, they watched television and drank alcohol.
The court heard that there was some hugging and kissing between Bond and the girl.
However, the most serious part of the incident was when Bond had sex with the girl while her friend was out of the room.
The girl and her friend left the hotel around 4 a.m.
after their parents arrived to pick them up.
Just a few days later, on December 3, Bond had sex with the same girl at his home in Hatfield.
The prosecution emphasized that the sexual encounters were consensual from the girl’s perspective, but she later told police that she was aware of her age—she was 15 during the first incident and 14 during the second.
The court was informed that Bond believed the girl was older than she was during the first encounter, only learning her true age shortly before the hotel incident.
In the second incident, he knew she was 14.
Defense attorney Angela Kerner argued that Bond had been unaware of the legal implications, believing that if the girl consented, it was legally permissible.
She explained that Bond had thought the girl was older, only discovering her actual age shortly before the hotel incident.
She also highlighted Bond’s educational background, noting he had completed three A levels and six GCSEs, but had suffered health issues, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and had been prescribed antidepressants.
Judge Steven Warner addressed Bond directly, condemning his actions.
He stated, “These are serious offences.
She was 14 and she was vulnerable, and you took advantage of that for your own gratification on two separate occasions.” The judge sentenced Bond to two years in prison and imposed a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO).
Additionally, Bond’s name will be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
The case underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and the legal consequences faced by those who exploit their vulnerability.
