ASHLEY TIPPING FROM BARNWOOD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GLOUCESTER

In May 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Ashley Tipping, a 34-year-old man from Gloucester, who was found guilty of taking advantage of a woman while she was asleep, in a case that has shocked the local community. Tipping, residing in The Dell, Barnwood, appeared before the city crown court to face charges related to the sexual assault committed on September 2 of the previous year.

According to court proceedings, the events began the night before the assault, on September 1, when Tipping encountered the victim, a woman he had known for several years. The two crossed paths during a social outing in Gloucester. The prosecution, led by Richard Posner, explained that the woman was out with a friend when she unexpectedly saw Tipping, whom she had not spoken to in about a year. She approached him out of concern because she was aware of his recent diagnosis of cancer. After a brief exchange, they parted ways, and she returned home with her friend.

Later that night, at approximately 3:16 a.m., the woman received a text message from Tipping asking if he could stay over. She responded by calling him, and he explained that he had argued with his girlfriend and needed a place to sleep. She kindly offered him the sofa in her home. However, upon his arrival, Tipping indicated that he no longer wished to sleep on the sofa and suggested he would sleep in her bed instead. The woman, trusting their longstanding acquaintance, did not object. She was dressed in a hoodie and joggers, while Tipping was wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

Despite her clear refusals, Tipping attempted to initiate physical contact, trying to hug her multiple times, which she rebuffed. She explicitly told him not to, and it was evident to him that her advances were unwelcome. The court heard that he then removed his jeans and tried again to hug her, which she again rejected, warning him that if he persisted, he would have to leave. She fell asleep with her back turned to him, believing the situation was under control. However, Tipping did not cease his actions. The court detailed that he did not fall asleep or, if he did, only briefly, and he continued to disregard her boundaries.

It was during her sleep that Tipping committed a grave violation. He put his hand inside her joggers and proceeded to molest her with his finger. The court was told that the woman awoke to the distressing sensation of him inside her, feeling sick and unable to comprehend what was happening. She confronted him, asking, “what the f*** you doing?” Tipping then asked if she wanted him to leave, to which she responded affirmatively. He gathered his belongings, apologized, and left her home.

Following the incident, Tipping spent the rest of the day apologizing, and the two exchanged messages. Later, a friend visited the victim, who broke down in tears, revealing what had transpired and showing her the messages exchanged with Tipping. In her final message, she expressed her profound sense of betrayal, stating, “You have violated me in the worst ways possible. I trusted you and you violated me. Please don’t contact me again.” Tipping responded with an apology, claiming he was drunk at the time.

When questioned by police, Tipping claimed he had “obviously got the wrong end of the stick,” attempting to downplay the severity of his actions. The court also heard from the victim herself, who read an emotional impact statement to Judge Timothy Mousley QC. She expressed her loss of trust in friends, her inability to host friends at her home, and her growing anxiety around male colleagues, which manifests physically through skin itching when she feels anxious. She voiced her fears about her future relationships, feeling that her inability to trust might hinder her chances of happiness.

Judge Mousley addressed Tipping directly, emphasizing that the victim had made it clear she was not interested in anything sexual. He condemned Tipping’s actions as a gross abuse of her trust, noting the profound impact on her mental health and sense of safety. The judge highlighted that her statement was thoughtful and measured, qualities that some might argue were undeserved given the circumstances. Tipping was acknowledged to have expressed remorse and an understanding of the harm caused during probation interviews.

In sentencing, Judge Mousley sentenced Tipping to 20 months in prison. However, he suspended the sentence for 18 months, citing a belief in the possibility of rehabilitation. Tipping was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, attend the ‘Horizons’ course with probation, and sign the sex offenders register for ten years. Additionally, a restraining order was issued to prevent any contact, direct or indirect, with the victim, ensuring her safety moving forward.