KEITH ASHTON CAUGHT IN YORK WITH CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AND VIDEOS
In July 2015, Keith Ashton, a resident of York, faced serious allegations related to the possession of indecent images of children.The case was brought before York Crown Court, where it was revealed that police had uncovered a disturbing collection of illegal material at his home.
Prosecutor David Lampitt detailed that authorities found a total of 70 illicit videos and nearly 5,000 images—specifically, 4,960 pictures—spread across four different pieces of information technology equipment belonging to Ashton.
During police interviews, Ashton admitted to an ongoing obsession with such material, describing it as an addiction.
He reportedly told officers, “It has been an obsession of mine for years.
I am ashamed, but it is an addiction.” This confession shed light on the depth of his involvement with illegal content, which had reportedly begun after he purchased a second-hand computer.
His solicitor advocate, Kevin Blount, explained that Ashton first encountered sexual images of children when he acquired a used computer whose hard drive had not been properly cleaned, leading him to search the internet for more such images.
Judge Stephen Ashurst, the Recorder of York, addressed Ashton directly during the hearing, stating, “You are someone who has achieved a considerable reputation in your field… But there is a flaw in your character.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for appropriate sanctions.
Ashton, aged 65 and residing on Trafalgar Street in York, pleaded guilty to six charges of possessing indecent images of children.
According to the prosecution, most of the images and videos found on Ashton’s devices fell into the lowest category of seriousness.
However, a significant number—117 photographs and 30 videos—were classified in the highest category, indicating a more severe level of harm and illegality.
The police investigation was triggered after internet records showed Ashton had accessed websites containing indecent images of children between October 2013 and February 2014.
Kevin Blount highlighted that Ashton had a technical interest in computers, which may have contributed to his actions.
Additionally, he has a history of depression and had previously been hospitalized at Bootham Hospital for mental health treatment.
His mental health issues were considered to potentially influence his moral judgment, and it was noted that he had ignored the fact that children had to be abused to produce such images.
Since his arrest, which occurred approximately 14 months prior to the court hearing, Ashton had taken steps to seek help.
He was now under medical care, seeing both his doctor and a clinical psychologist for ongoing treatment.
In sentencing, Judge Ashurst imposed a community order that includes three years of supervision.
Ashton was also ordered to complete a sex offenders’ rehabilitation course.
Furthermore, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order that restricts his internet use, and he was registered on the sex offenders’ register for five years.
These measures aim to monitor and prevent any future offending, acknowledging the gravity of his crimes and the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation.
