JASON ASTHANA FROM BILLINGSHURST CAUGHT IN HORRIBLE SEX OFFENCES AT LOCAL SCOUTS AND TENNIS CLUB

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Billingshurst, Jason Asthana, aged 32, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a young boy. The disturbing details emerged during a trial held at Brighton Law Courts, revealing a pattern of abuse that took place while Asthana was serving as a Beaver Scout leader in Billingshurst.

Asthana, who resided at Coombe Close, Coombe Hill, in Billingshurst at the time of the offences, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 13 and inciting the same boy to perform a sexual act. The court heard that these offences occurred at the scout premises in Billingshurst, where Asthana was actively involved in guiding and mentoring young children as part of his role with the local Scout troop.

The jury acquitted him of a second sexual assault charge related to the same victim, but the conviction on the other counts was enough to secure a significant prison sentence. In addition to the contact offences, Asthana pleaded guilty to making 20 indecent images of children, although these images did not involve any contact with children and were not of local minors.

Judge Paul Tain, presiding over the case, sentenced Asthana to four years and eight months in prison. The sentence was composed of four years for the sexual assault, one year for inciting the sexual act, both to run concurrently, and an additional eight months for the possession of indecent images, which was to be served consecutively. The court emphasized the gravity of the offences, especially considering Asthana’s position of trust within the community.

The investigation was carried out by child protection detectives from West Sussex, following allegations that prompted a thorough inquiry. Detective Constable Dani Flude expressed her concern for the victim, highlighting the emotional toll inflicted by the abuse. She stated, “The victim in this case has been deeply affected by what happened to him. As the Victim Impact Statement handed to the court by his mother said, he suffered twice, first from the actual offending and then by having to re-live it in court. He has been very brave and it is very much due to him that justice has now been done.”

She further added, “It is an illustration of the emotional harm he underwent that he has said to his mother that only now does he feel safe to go out by himself to the local sweet shop. We do take seriously and follow up allegations of this type. Victims and their families can contact us at any time by calling 101 and arranging to talk to experienced and specially trained detectives in confidence.”

Prior to the trial, in December 2012, Asthana was already facing serious charges related to child abuse and possession of indecent images. The court had warned that jail time was inevitable after the jury found him guilty of sexual assault by touching and inciting a child to perform a sexual act. He had also pleaded guilty to downloading 20 indecent images of children, which further compounded the severity of his crimes.

During the proceedings, prosecutor Henrietta Paget detailed the disturbing incidents involving the young victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The victim recounted three separate incidents: one where Asthana asked him to remove his pants and took a photograph, another where Asthana touched him intimately for a few seconds, and a third incident involving the removal of his pants and a photograph, for which Asthana was found not guilty.

Asthana’s involvement extended beyond the scout activities, as he was also a parent helper at a local tennis club. The case has left the community of Billingshurst grappling with the betrayal of trust by someone in a position of care and guidance for children. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offences are treated, and the community awaits further updates on Asthana’s rehabilitation and the ongoing support for the victims involved.