MICHAEL ASHTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES ON THE ISLE OF MAN

In a recent court hearing held at Douglas Courthouse, Michael Ashton, a 38-year-old resident of Malew Street in Castletown, was convicted and sentenced for serious sexual offenses committed against two young girls on the Isle of Man. The incidents, which spanned from April 2011 to April 2017, involved indecent assaults and physical violence, leading to a significant legal outcome for the offender.

According to court records, Ashton was found guilty of three counts of indecent assault. The charges stemmed from his inappropriate touching of the two girls, both under the age of 16, which was reported after one of the victims confided in a school staff member. The disclosure prompted an investigation by social services, bringing the abuse to light. Ashton also faced a charge of common assault, to which he pleaded guilty.

During the trial, it was revealed that Ashton’s misconduct extended beyond sexual abuse. He physically assaulted one of the victims by grabbing her by the throat, punching her, and causing her to hit her head on a sink. These violent acts occurred in the context of his inappropriate behavior, further aggravating his case.

Judge Deemster Graeme Cook sentenced Ashton to a total of two years and eleven months in prison. The court also ordered that Ashton be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. Additionally, he was subjected to travel notification requirements, restricting his ability to leave the Isle of Man without prior approval.

In his sentencing remarks, Deemster Cook expressed disappointment in Ashton’s apparent lack of remorse, stating that he should be “thoroughly ashamed” of his actions. The court also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which limits his contact with children under 16 and mandates full disclosure of any relationships to his supervising officer, ensuring ongoing monitoring and safeguarding measures.

Ashton’s conviction and sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable minors and the judicial system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable for their heinous acts on the Isle of Man.