GILLINGHAM SEX OFFENDER MATTHEW ASHURST SENTENCED AFTER NIGHTMARE INJURY TO YOUNG BOY

In October 2005, a disturbing case unfolded in Gillingham involving a teenage offender named Matthew Ashurst, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy. The incident, which left the victim traumatized and suffering from nightmares, resulted in Ashurst being sentenced to 15 months in youth custody.

During the court proceedings, Judge David Croft, QC, made it clear that he was not inclined to grant Ashurst the possibility of early release or treatment through an intensive rehabilitation program. The judge emphasized that the severity of the offense warranted a custodial sentence, and he rejected arguments suggesting that Ashurst could be rehabilitated outside of detention.

Matthew Ashurst, who was residing on Parr Avenue in Gillingham at the time, admitted to the charge of sexual assault. However, he denied involvement in additional allegations involving a separate assault on a seven-year-old boy and an incident involving a four-year-old girl. The charges related to these other alleged assaults were ultimately not pursued by the prosecution.

Prosecutor Eleanor Laws recounted the events as described by the young victim. She explained that on June 7, the boy informed his mother that he planned to visit a friend. Approximately an hour later, the boy’s friend arrived at the house, seeking him. Concerned, the boy’s mother went searching for her son and grew increasingly anxious as she could not find him. Soon after, the boy emerged from an alleyway beside the house, visibly upset. When questioned, he repeatedly apologized and revealed that he had been taken into a tent by a boy who had engaged in inappropriate touching.

The young victim described how Ashurst, then aged 17, had been seen talking to him before pulling him under a cover. The boy recounted that Ashurst had expressed a desire to play with him and then pulled something over them, committing a sexual act. The victim also told his mother that he did not like boys and preferred girls, and he had tried to leave but was prevented from doing so.

Following the incident, the victim’s mother contacted Ashurst’s mother, who apologized for her son’s behavior and advised her to call the police. Initially, Ashurst denied that the incident had occurred, claiming innocence. The victim’s mother added that her son was so distressed that he refused to enter his bedroom unless the curtains were closed and was plagued by nightmares involving Ashurst coming up the stairs.

Defending Ashurst, Deborah Champion described him as a damaged young man who was deeply embarrassed and ashamed of his actions. She argued that he was in urgent need of a structured program to address his behavior and suggested that a lengthy custodial sentence might hinder his chances of receiving appropriate help. Champion emphasized Ashurst’s cries for guidance and rehabilitation.

Judge Croft expressed concern over the case, highlighting that Ashurst was only 17 at the time of the offense. The judge stated that the nature of the crime was profoundly troubling and that the victim remained emotionally distressed. After careful consideration, the judge concluded that a custodial sentence was necessary and could not be avoided in this instance. Additionally, Ashurst was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and was prohibited from working with children in the future.