LONDON MAN KEITH ASBURY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEEN IN PRESTON
In May 2018, a man from London named Keith Asbury was sentenced to serve a minimum of three years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl in the Preston area.The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of online child protection activists and the details of the grooming and attempted assault.
Keith Asbury, who resides on Dairsie Road in London, was charged with four separate offences related to his interactions with the underage girl.
These charges stemmed from his online activities and his physical attempt to meet the girl in Preston.
The offences included two counts of attempting to arrange or facilitate a sexual act with a minor, specifically trying to have intercourse with the 14-year-old girl during October of that year.
On October 14, Asbury made efforts to meet the girl in person, having communicated with her extensively beforehand, with the clear intention of committing a sexual offence against her.
Additionally, Asbury was found to have engaged in sexual activity in the presence of a child on August 20, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.
The court proceedings revealed that Asbury had been sending explicit images and engaging in sexual conversations over an eight-week period with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.
The prosecution detailed how Asbury traveled from London to Preston, where he had arranged a meeting with the girl.
However, instead of meeting her, he was intercepted by the online child protection team known as 'Creep Catchers UK.' The team questioned Asbury about his online activities, and after establishing his intentions, they contacted the police.
He was subsequently arrested and brought before Preston Crown Court.
During the trial, it was established that Asbury had driven from London to Preston with the intent to commit a sexual offence.
The court heard that he had sent numerous explicit messages and images to the girl, believing her to be 14 years old.
Asbury's sentencing was pronounced with a minimum term of three years in prison before he could apply for parole.
The court also mandated that he be registered on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.
The probation service described him as a danger to children and the public, emphasizing the ongoing risk he poses.
In a separate incident dating back to July 2010, Keith Asbury, then aged 54 and living on Dairsie Road in Eltham, was involved in a different case where he was accused of sending sexually explicit text messages to two 14-year-old boys.
These boys had tricked him into believing they were girls by posing as teenage females after finding his mobile number on a wall.
The teenagers contacted Asbury, who continued to communicate with them despite knowing their true ages.
On December 20, 2008, Asbury sent sexually explicit messages, including requests for explicit videos, to the teenagers.
When he was arrested on February 25, 2009, police found dozens of messages on his phone, confirming his inappropriate communications.
During his trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Michael Carroll described the incident as a victim of a practical joke but emphasized that Asbury's actions warranted serious consideration.
He was convicted of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and possession of extreme pornographic images.
Instead of jail, Asbury received a three-year supervision order, which included participation in a sex offender treatment program.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years, reflecting the court's recognition of his need for ongoing monitoring and intervention.
The cases highlight the dangers posed by individuals like Asbury, who have a history of inappropriate behavior towards minors and are subject to legal consequences designed to protect the community.
