ERNEST ASTIN'S CHILD ABDUCTION ATTEMPT IN ACCRINGTON SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In January 2004, a disturbing incident unfolded in Accrington involving Ernest Astin, a 55-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse, who was subsequently sentenced to six months in prison for attempting to abduct two young boys. The incident took place in the area of Spruce Court, where Astin, known to residents and with no prior convictions for similar offenses, engaged in a reckless and dangerous act that alarmed the local community.

According to court reports, Astin made an attempt to lure two brothers, aged eight and five, into his modest and dilapidated flat. The court heard that the incident began when the boys, who were from the nearby Huncoat area, were playing football. During their game, one of the boys accidentally kicked the ball onto a grassy patch in front of a block of flats on Spruce Court. As the boy went to retrieve the ball, he noticed Astin at the window of one of the flats. Astin then made an unsettling gesture, inviting the children to come inside, asking if they wanted to read some books.

When the boys refused, Astin continued to engage them, speaking about his personal life in an attempt to persuade them. The situation escalated when Astin climbed out of the window, grabbed the eight-year-old, and placed him on the window sill. Despite the child's efforts to jump down, Astin reportedly grabbed him by the neck, holding him in a dangerous position. The defendant then showed the children two books, asking if they wanted to read them, but both boys declined and managed to run home after the incident.

The following morning, the children confided in their mother about what had transpired. Concerned and alarmed, she contacted the police. Officers responded swiftly, visiting Astin's flat, which was described as dirty and sparsely furnished. The property was accessed by Astin climbing in and out of the window, consistent with the court's findings. During police interviews, Astin admitted that he had been standing at the window, had become bored, and had started talking to the children. He acknowledged that he did not know the boys personally but claimed he had invited them inside. Astin denied holding the eight-year-old against his will, maintaining that his actions were not malicious but reckless.

Legal proceedings revealed that Astin had earlier pleaded guilty to attempted child abduction. The court was informed that he had no previous convictions for similar offenses, but his actions had caused significant concern among the community and law enforcement. Joanna Rodrikis, prosecuting, emphasized the gravity of the case, highlighting the fears and anxieties such incidents generate among parents and residents alike.

During sentencing, Judge Raymond Bennett expressed his views on the importance of public safety and the need for deterrence. He remarked that in an era marked by numerous allegations of child abuse, such behavior must be met with strict consequences. The judge acknowledged the distress caused to the boys' parents and the wider community, emphasizing that Astin's actions were both foolish and criminal, and that he should have been fully aware of the risks involved. The judge concluded that such conduct must be discouraged to prevent future occurrences.

Astin's defense attorney, Anthony Cross, addressed the court, noting the troubling nature of the case and the concerns it raised about the intentions of individuals who invite children into their homes. He suggested that Astin's alcoholism might have contributed to his poor judgment and foolish actions. Mr. Cross argued that the best course of action would be for Astin to engage with the guidance and support offered by the probation service to prevent any recurrence of such behavior. The court ultimately sentenced Astin to six months in jail, underscoring the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded in the community of Accrington.