ASHLEY GLENDALE FROM CORSHAM JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN SWINDON

In December 2013, a man named Ashley Glendale from Corsham was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of grooming and sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy. The case, which was heard at Swindon Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about Glendale’s predatory behavior and the circumstances that led to his conviction.

Prosecutor Colin Meeke outlined how Glendale, aged 58, deliberately created opportunities to be alone with the young victim, exploiting the boy’s vulnerability. Glendale’s actions included inappropriate touching, which escalated over time. The court heard that Glendale even engaged in physical contact with the boy in front of his mother, an act that caused the child to panic and shout at his mother, questioning why she allowed Glendale into their home. This incident was a clear indication of the emotional distress caused to the young boy.

The relationship between Glendale and the boy’s family was established through Glendale’s then-partner, with whom he would visit the victim’s mother’s house in Corsham. The boy would also visit Glendale’s residence in Rudloe. The court was told that in July of the previous year, Glendale took advantage of a visit to the boy’s home to molest him while he was sitting on the sofa watching a film. Glendale put his hand down the boy’s trousers during this encounter, instructing him not to tell his mother, claiming it was a “guy thing.”

Later that summer, Glendale was at the victim’s family home again, where he improperly touched the boy over his trousers after persuading him to sit on his lap. The boy confided in his mother about these incidents, but she hesitated to involve authorities, fearing the emotional toll it might take on her son. However, Glendale’s partner, upon learning of the abuse, immediately contacted the police after speaking with Glendale and the boy.

During police questioning, Glendale denied any sexual misconduct, asserting that he had not touched the boy in a sexual manner. Despite his denial, Glendale, who resides on Northcroft Road in Corsham, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. It was noted that Glendale suffers from severe angina and had no prior criminal record. Since the incidents, he has moved away from the victim’s family and his relationship with his partner has ended.

Judge Tim Mousley QC sentenced Glendale to 18 months in prison. The judge emphasized that Glendale’s denial during questioning was inconsistent with his earlier actions and statements. He highlighted that Glendale’s relationship with the young boy involved a breach of trust and elements of grooming, as Glendale deliberately created situations to facilitate the abuse. The emotional impact on the victim was evident, with the boy reportedly “freaking out” after the second incident.

In addition to the prison sentence, Glendale was ordered to observe a sexual offences prevention order for ten years and was banned from contacting the victim for the same period. He is also required to register as a sex offender for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring and protection of the community.