ASTON HOLDEN SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN WEYMOUTH

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Weymouth community, Aston James Douglas Holden, a 44-year-old former soldier, was sentenced to eight years behind bars after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving young girls. The crimes took place in Weymouth, where Holden resided on Hardwick Street, and the case has highlighted the devastating impact of his actions on the victims and the wider community.

Holden faced a total of fourteen charges, including eight counts of gross indecency and six counts of indecent assault, all committed against three young girls. The victims, who were aged just six, eight, and nine at the time of the offenses, have since grown into adulthood and have endured significant emotional trauma as a result of Holden’s predatory behavior. During the trial at Dorchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Holden had subjected the girls to horrifying acts, forcing them to perform sexual acts on him. He then threatened them with violence, warning one girl that he would dismember her and place her body parts in plastic bags if she dared to disclose what had happened.

The court heard that the trauma inflicted on the victims was profound. One of the girls has attempted to take her own life, while others have suffered episodes of depression and engaged in self-harm. These distressing details underscored the severity of Holden’s crimes and the lasting damage caused to the victims’ mental health.

During the sentencing hearing, Holden’s defense solicitor, Tim Shorter, argued that his client’s actions could be understood in the context of his mental health. He claimed that Holden had developed post-traumatic stress disorder after serving his country valiantly during his tours of Northern Ireland. The defense also pointed out that Holden had maintained a previously clean record, suggesting that this was an isolated incident. However, the presiding judge, Recorder Richard Lissack, was unpersuaded by these arguments. After reviewing the evidence and a probation report indicating that Holden continued to pose a risk to children, the judge decided that no reduction in sentence was appropriate.

In his remarks, Recorder Lissack emphasized the long-lasting impact of Holden’s crimes on the victims. He stated, “These three girls have carried a dark secret inside them, that terrible truth, for many, many years. They could have told a teacher, a family member, or a friend, but in my judgment, the fear of violence stopped them—you had them trapped, and you knew it. You did not have to use violence; your mere presence was enough to control them. You even blamed them, saying to one that she was too well developed, and told them you had a right to touch them. The damage you did to them was obvious.”

Consequently, Holden was sentenced to serve between three and eight years for each of the offenses, to be served concurrently. The judge acknowledged Holden’s service to his country but emphasized that his fall from grace was severe, stating, “You paid a heavy price for the service you have given to this country—I fully accept that. The consequences of you falling so far are severe.”

Additionally, Holden was disqualified from working with children for life and was ordered to register as a sex offender permanently. The case has left a lasting mark on Weymouth, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those in positions of authority.