ASHLEY WINKLE FROM LEEK CAUGHT WITH CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES IN STAFFORDSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Leek Child Sexual Abuser
In December 2020, a disturbing case emerged involving Ashley Winkle, a resident of Leek, Staffordshire, who was found to possess and download highly illegal and disturbing images depicting child and animal sexual abuse. The incident drew significant public attention and led to Winkle being forced to relocate with his family after he became the target of community outrage and threats following the revelation of his offending.
Winkle, aged 23 at the time, had been engaged in the illicit activity for nearly four years, during which he downloaded and stored indecent images of children. The severity of his actions was underscored during a court hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where it was revealed that police had visited his residence in Leek to investigate the matter. During the police operation, officers seized Winkle’s computer and laptop, which contained a disturbing collection of illegal content.
The authorities uncovered a significant number of illicit videos and images, categorized into various levels of severity. Specifically, they found ten category A movies, twelve category B videos, and fifty-seven category C images. Additionally, there were two extreme pornographic videos involving bestiality, which is considered one of the most heinous forms of animal abuse. Winkle had employed specialized software to attempt to conceal his activities, including hiding his IP address, a tactic he admitted to having learned during an IT course at college.
During police interviews, Winkle confessed that he had been downloading these images for some time and described the activity as a routine, often triggered by pop-up advertisements on regular adult websites. His use of software to mask his online identity was also acknowledged, with Winkle admitting that he used such tools to evade detection.
Following his arrest, Winkle pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent images of children and possessing an extreme pornographic image. The court heard that the police had visited his Leek home on July 4 of the previous year at approximately 8:25 am. The investigation continued until July 8, 2019, when officers returned and seized a laptop belonging to Winkle, which contained further illegal content.
Judge Sally Hancox presided over the case and emphasized that sending Winkle to prison would not necessarily serve his rehabilitation or public safety. Instead, she imposed a three-year community order as an alternative to immediate imprisonment, believing that this approach would better facilitate his rehabilitation and reduce future risks. The judge highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of such behavior and providing the necessary support to prevent recurrence.
In her remarks, Judge Hancox pointed out the grave nature of Winkle’s actions, stating, “You have encountered, viewed, sought out, and used for your own personal gratification images of children being sexually abused by adults. There is not an image that exists of child abuse on the internet that has not begun by the actual abuse of a child.” She further explained that until there is no demand for such heinous imagery, the cycle of abuse will continue. The court’s decision aimed to ensure that Winkle would be monitored, assisted, and challenged regarding his behavior for an extended period.
Recognizing that this was Winkle’s first appearance before the courts, Judge Hancox expressed hope that he was genuinely trying to move forward in a more positive and lawful manner. She also acknowledged the impact of his actions on his family, describing them as victims of his offending. As part of the community order, Winkle is required to complete a sexual offending rehabilitation program and a 20-day activity requirement aimed at promoting his rehabilitation.
Furthermore, Winkle was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £340. The court’s ruling reflects a serious stance against such crimes, emphasizing both punishment and the importance of rehabilitation to protect the community from future harm.
Winkle, aged 23 at the time, had been engaged in the illicit activity for nearly four years, during which he downloaded and stored indecent images of children. The severity of his actions was underscored during a court hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, where it was revealed that police had visited his residence in Leek to investigate the matter. During the police operation, officers seized Winkle’s computer and laptop, which contained a disturbing collection of illegal content.
The authorities uncovered a significant number of illicit videos and images, categorized into various levels of severity. Specifically, they found ten category A movies, twelve category B videos, and fifty-seven category C images. Additionally, there were two extreme pornographic videos involving bestiality, which is considered one of the most heinous forms of animal abuse. Winkle had employed specialized software to attempt to conceal his activities, including hiding his IP address, a tactic he admitted to having learned during an IT course at college.
During police interviews, Winkle confessed that he had been downloading these images for some time and described the activity as a routine, often triggered by pop-up advertisements on regular adult websites. His use of software to mask his online identity was also acknowledged, with Winkle admitting that he used such tools to evade detection.
Following his arrest, Winkle pleaded guilty to three charges: making indecent images of children and possessing an extreme pornographic image. The court heard that the police had visited his Leek home on July 4 of the previous year at approximately 8:25 am. The investigation continued until July 8, 2019, when officers returned and seized a laptop belonging to Winkle, which contained further illegal content.
Judge Sally Hancox presided over the case and emphasized that sending Winkle to prison would not necessarily serve his rehabilitation or public safety. Instead, she imposed a three-year community order as an alternative to immediate imprisonment, believing that this approach would better facilitate his rehabilitation and reduce future risks. The judge highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of such behavior and providing the necessary support to prevent recurrence.
In her remarks, Judge Hancox pointed out the grave nature of Winkle’s actions, stating, “You have encountered, viewed, sought out, and used for your own personal gratification images of children being sexually abused by adults. There is not an image that exists of child abuse on the internet that has not begun by the actual abuse of a child.” She further explained that until there is no demand for such heinous imagery, the cycle of abuse will continue. The court’s decision aimed to ensure that Winkle would be monitored, assisted, and challenged regarding his behavior for an extended period.
Recognizing that this was Winkle’s first appearance before the courts, Judge Hancox expressed hope that he was genuinely trying to move forward in a more positive and lawful manner. She also acknowledged the impact of his actions on his family, describing them as victims of his offending. As part of the community order, Winkle is required to complete a sexual offending rehabilitation program and a 20-day activity requirement aimed at promoting his rehabilitation.
Furthermore, Winkle was placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. He was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £340. The court’s ruling reflects a serious stance against such crimes, emphasizing both punishment and the importance of rehabilitation to protect the community from future harm.