A former Scout Leader from Warrington involved in “every parent’s worst nightmare”, has been jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of a string of child sex charges.
Aaron Ashbrook was found guilty of eight offences – which include indecent assault on a boy under 14 and making indecent images of children – following a 4-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court which concluded on Friday 31 July.
The 59-year-old, who used to run a Scouts group in Warrington, returned to the court for sentencing today, Thursday 27 August, where he was jailed for 12 years.
The court heard how Ashbrook began abusing the victim in 1994 – when the victim was just 8 years old – and continued over a two-year period.
The victim bravely reported the abuse to Cheshire Police in May 2023, and an investigation was launched.
Officers arrested Ashbrook at his home on Windermere Avenue, Warrington.
Several electronic devices were seized at the address. Forensic examination of these devices revealed six indecent images and videos of children being sexually exploited, five of which were of category A (the most serious type).
Ashbrook was subsequently charged with the offences.
Sergeant Dani Byng said: “What Ashbrook’s did was every parent’s worst nightmare.
“He was trusted to look after the victim, but instead of caring for him, he preyed on the victim’s vulnerability for his own perverse sexual gratification.
“The harm and distress Ashbrook’s actions have caused the victim is immeasurable, and it is a testament to the victim’s strength, bravery, and determination that we have been able bring Ashbrook to justice, 30 years since the offences occurred. I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide him with some closure and allow him to move forward.
“Sexual assault of children causes terrible distress to all involved, not least the victim themselves, and I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault – no matter how long ago the incident took place – to come forward and report it.
“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has, please call us on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
