DARREN ASHURST'S PATH FROM WIGAN CHILD KILLER TO POTENTIAL FREE MAN SPARKS OUTRAGE

In a development that has shocked the community of Wigan and reignited debates over justice and rehabilitation, Darren Ashurst, the man convicted of the brutal murder of 15-year-old Louise Sellars in 1995, has taken significant steps towards potential release from prison. This case, which has haunted the families involved for over two decades, has recently seen Ashurst transferred to a lower-security facility, granted escorted visits into the town, and even submitted an application for parole.

Louise Sellars, a bright and promising student from Appley Bridge, was tragically murdered in 1995. Her death was a devastating blow to her family, especially her mother Elaine and adoptive father Gary. Elaine marked what would have been Louise’s 38th birthday this week, reflecting on the long-lasting impact of her daughter’s loss. The case was complex and took five years to resolve, ultimately culminating in Ashurst’s conviction at Manchester Crown Court on November 1, 2000.

It was a breakthrough in forensic science that played a crucial role in securing Ashurst’s conviction. A cigarette stub found near Louise’s battered body contained DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene. The DNA analysis revealed a probability of one in 83 million that the saliva on the cigarette belonged to anyone other than Ashurst. This evidence was pivotal in establishing his guilt, especially after initial investigations had failed to produce enough concrete proof.

At the time of his arrest, Ashurst was 21 years old and working as a lorry driver. The police had suspected him early on, but it was only after advancements in DNA testing in 1999 that they could definitively connect him to the scene. The evidence included a rope used to strangle Louise, which matched one borrowed from a girlfriend, and tyre tracks similar to those on his vehicle. Additionally, a watch found at the scene bore similarities to one he owned. Despite these links, Ashurst was initially released due to insufficient evidence, claiming he was attempting to pick up a prostitute and was worried about his family discovering his whereabouts.

However, persistent police efforts and technological advancements in forensic science led to his eventual arrest and conviction. The jury deliberated for nearly nine hours before returning a guilty verdict, with the court hearing that Louise had fought fiercely for her life but was ultimately overpowered. The injuries inflicted upon her were described by the trial’s pathologist as some of the most severe he had ever encountered.

Throughout the trial and subsequent imprisonment, Ashurst’s behavior was noted as exemplary, which contributed to his transfer to a lower-security prison. Recently, he has been granted escorted visits into Wigan, and he has formally applied for parole. These developments have caused immense distress to Louise’s family, especially her mother Elaine, who expressed her outrage and despair publicly. She shared her feelings on social media, condemning the possibility of Ashurst’s early release. Elaine stated, “Over the last few weeks I have learned that the monster Darren Ashurst who took Louise’s life has been moved to an open prison because of his exemplary behaviour! This is the first step for him to being released back into our community.”

She further criticized the legal system, emphasizing that Ashurst has yet to admit guilt or show remorse. Elaine argued that the law should require offenders to acknowledge their crimes before being considered for parole, especially in cases involving such heinous acts. Her words reflected the deep pain and anger felt by many in the community, who believe that justice has not been fully served and that Ashurst’s potential release undermines the severity of his crime.

Meanwhile, the case remains a stark reminder of the advances in forensic science that helped bring Louise’s killer to justice. The DNA evidence from the cigarette stub was instrumental in securing Ashurst’s conviction, and experts have warned that technological progress will continue to make it increasingly difficult for offenders to evade justice. Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Seabridge, who led the investigation, reiterated the police’s commitment to pursuing justice, noting that Ashurst lived within half a mile of Louise’s family and had connections in the area, which only added to the community’s suffering.

As Ashurst’s case moves forward, the community and Louise’s family grapple with the complex issues surrounding justice, rehabilitation, and the possibility of a convicted murderer reintegrating into society after serving time for such a brutal crime.