PAUL ASHLEY SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRLS

Paul Ashley, a 56-year-old man from Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been handed a substantial prison sentence of 11 years and nine months after being convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls. The case revealed disturbing details about Ashley’s predatory behavior, which spanned over several years and involved multiple victims.

According to court proceedings, the first victim, described as particularly vulnerable, was approached by Ashley in the city of Newcastle. Ashley, who mistakenly believed she was a sex worker, managed to persuade her to get into his vehicle. He then drove her to his workplace located in Market Drayton, where the abuse took place. Prosecutor Antony Longworth provided a detailed account of the incident, stating that Ashley initially began by complimenting the girl, attempting to establish a false sense of rapport. The situation quickly escalated as Ashley hugged and kissed her on the neck and mouth, crossing boundaries of personal space and consent. The court heard that he then placed his hand on her leg and into her underwear, committing a sexual assault that left the victim traumatized.

Two years following this incident, Ashley was involved in a separate series of assaults against a second teenage girl. On two separate occasions, he engaged in sexual activities with her, further demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior. Ashley, who resides on Mayfield Place in Newcastle-under-Lyme, pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder and two charges of sexual assault. His guilty plea was a significant step in the judicial process, allowing the court to proceed with sentencing.

In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Ashley, restricting his future interactions and movements to prevent further harm. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety measures. Judge Graeme Smith expressed serious concerns regarding Ashley’s attitude during the proceedings, noting a lack of genuine remorse. He stated, “What is particularly worrying is there are two different sets of offences. I do not accept there is real remorse or regret.”

Staffordshire Police expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the case. Detective Sergeant Becky Mulcahy commented on the sentence, emphasizing the importance of justice for victims and reaffirming the police force’s commitment to combating sexual crimes. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to support victims and prevent similar offenses in the future, underscoring the importance of community safety and vigilance.