REDCAR PERVERT DANIEL AYLESBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FOUR-YEAR-OLD IN HER PLAYHOUSE

In August 2016, a disturbing case emerged from Redcar involving Daniel Aylesbury, a 20-year-old man who was convicted of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl in her grandmother’s garden. The assault took place inside the child’s playhouse, a place that was meant to be a safe and joyful environment for her and other children. The young girl, who is now seven, continues to suffer from the trauma inflicted by Aylesbury’s actions, with her mother revealing that she still wakes up screaming at night, haunted by the memories of the repeated attacks.

It was revealed during the court proceedings that Aylesbury, who was 17 at the time, had been regularly visiting the playhouse where the girl and other children used to gather for picnics and play. Prosecutor Christine Egerton described the abuse as ongoing, lasting for approximately 13 months. The young girl eventually confided in her father, who was preparing her for school, about the abuse. She described the incidents as happening numerous times, with her mother later estimating the number of assaults to be around 80 or 90.

When Aylesbury was arrested and questioned, he denied any involvement in the sexual assaults. The victim’s mother provided a heartfelt statement, emphasizing the profound impact on her daughter. She explained that her child’s trauma has been severe, affecting her ability to play with friends and enjoy childhood activities. The girl now sleeps with her parents and wakes up screaming, a clear sign of the lasting psychological scars.

Throughout the legal process, Aylesbury maintained his innocence until the trial’s second scheduled date, when the girl was called to testify. The mother recounted how, in April, after her daughter was shown the court, she realized the gravity of what had happened and was overwhelmed with emotion, sobbing and struggling to comprehend the situation. The mother expressed her anguish over the fact that her daughter had been subjected to such trauma for two years, and she criticized Aylesbury for dragging her through the stress of a trial. She also voiced concerns about her daughter’s future, noting that she might require years of counseling and support to recover.

Legal representatives highlighted that grooming was involved, as Aylesbury had helped the girl enjoy her time in the playhouse, which facilitated the abuse. Defense lawyer Yvonne Taylor argued that Aylesbury was not sexually motivated, although she offered no concrete explanation for his actions. She mentioned that a pre-sentence report recommended a sentence of suspended custody with certain requirements, emphasizing that Aylesbury’s parents were present in court and that he was seeking help for his behavior. Taylor expressed that her client was genuinely confused about why he behaved in such a manner.

Judge Tony Briggs acknowledged the devastating impact of Aylesbury’s actions on the family. He noted that the case had taken a considerable amount of time to resolve, partly due to circumstances beyond Aylesbury’s control. The judge initially considered a starting point of four years but adjusted it to three years given the case’s particularities, including Aylesbury’s mental state and capacity. Ultimately, Aylesbury, of Turner Street, Redcar, was sentenced to two years in detention. Additionally, he was ordered to comply with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and to register as a sex offender for ten years. This sentence followed his guilty plea to two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13, committed between May 31, 2013, and July 11, 2014, involving offenses that deeply scarred the young victim and her family.