GRAHAM ABLETT JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BASILDON AND BLACKPOOL

In a case that has spanned decades and involved serious allegations, Graham Ablett, a 48-year-old man with ties to both Basildon and Blackpool, has been sentenced to three years in prison following his conviction for sexual assaults committed against a young girl over 25 years ago.

Ablett, who previously worked as a bus driver for Blackpool Transport and also ran his own driving instruction business in Blackpool, faced charges of indecent assault on a girl under the age of nine. The incidents took place between 1988 and 1993, when Ablett was in his early twenties. Despite his denial of the charges, a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found him guilty in November after a thorough trial.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the victim, now a 31-year-old woman and mother, had carried the emotional burden of these traumatic events for many years. The court heard that she was still visibly affected as she recounted her experiences, which she described as thoroughly unpleasant. Judge David Turner QC addressed Ablett directly, stating, “The victim has carried the burden of anxiety about your misbehaviour for too long. It was clear to me during the trial that she was still emotionally affected as she recalled these thoroughly unpleasant events, which you continue to deny.”

Judge Turner also characterized Ablett as “controlling and manipulative,” emphasizing the seriousness of the offences. The court was informed that the assaults occurred in Basildon, Essex, where the incidents took place years earlier. Despite his long residence in Blackpool, Ablett resigned from his position with Blackpool Transport following his conviction. His personal life had also been tumultuous recently, with his relationship with a partner and her family coming to an end.

Graham Ablett, who is currently residing in Llys Alwen, Rhyl, Denbighshire, is described as a single man with children from two previous relationships. Notably, he has no prior criminal convictions. His defense lawyer, Justine Davidge, argued that there had been no concerns about Ablett’s contact with children either before or after the allegations. She highlighted that he was well regarded and respected by those who knew him, emphasizing that the allegations had not previously cast a shadow over his reputation.