Paul Ashworth, a 71-year-old sex offender from Carlton Colville, has been sentenced to nine years in prison with an additional year on licence after being found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault on young girls.
Conviction and Sentencing
Ashworth, of Wannock Close, appeared before Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 4 April, where he was sentenced for his crimes. He was found guilty in his absence on Friday 7 February of three counts of indecent assault on girls under 14, involving three separate victims aged between 4 and 11 years old. These assaults occurred between the early 1980s and early 2000s.
Additionally, Ashworth pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photographs of children and to absconding from court while on bail.
Attempt to Evade Justice
Ashworth, who was not on remand during his trial, left the court when the jury retired to consider its verdicts on 7 February and failed to return when the guilty verdicts were delivered later that afternoon. A warrant for his arrest was subsequently issued, and Suffolk Police began a wanted person appeal.
Tracked Down in Portsmouth
Police investigations revealed that Ashworth’s bank card was being used in Portsmouth city centre. With assistance from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, CCTV footage confirmed his presence in the area.
Officers discovered that he had boarded a bus terminating at a city centre depot and had checked into a hotel under an alias. Ashworth was located and arrested at the hotel on Wednesday 26 February and was remanded in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
Detective’s Statement
Detective Sergeant Kate Bond of the East Public Protection Unit condemned Ashworth’s attempt to escape justice, stating:
“Paul Ashworth’s pathetic attempt to evade justice by leaving the court when the jury went out was a final act of utter contempt towards the victims. The crimes he committed were unspeakably abhorrent and robbed the victims of their childhoods. I want to pay tribute to the victims for their bravery in working with us to achieve these convictions.”
She added:
“Ashworth will now spend a considerable portion of his 70s in prison, which I hope will be of some comfort to the victims and enable them to rebuild their lives.”
Community Reaction
The sentencing has brought a sense of relief to the local community, with many praising the bravery of the victims who came forward to ensure justice was served. One local resident commented:
“It’s horrifying to think this man lived among us for so long. I’m grateful to the police and the victims for ensuring he is behind bars.”
Ashworth’s Crimes
The court heard how Ashworth committed the assaults over a span of two decades, targeting young girls and leaving lifelong impacts on their lives. His actions came to light after the victims courageously reported the abuse, leading to a comprehensive investigation.
The Aftermath
Ashworth’s imprisonment is seen as a significant victory for the victims and their families, who have shown immense strength throughout the trial. The Suffolk Police have urged anyone affected by similar crimes to come forward, emphasizing that support and protection are available.
Support for Victims
Detectives continue to work with specialist support services to provide ongoing assistance to those impacted. Victims of sexual abuse are encouraged to reach out to organizations such as Victim Support or the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) for confidential help.
This case highlights the importance of reporting abuse, no matter how much time has passed. Authorities remain committed to holding offenders accountable and supporting victims in their journey towards healing.
