Nathan Ashton 33

Description

Nathan Ashton, 33, raped one girl twice after plying her with cannabis until she had a "whitey"—feeling sick from the drugs—leaving her vulnerable.

He similarly assaulted a second victim by giving her cannabis, then digitally penetrating and raping her. He left the room before returning to rape her again.

After arrest, Ashton forced the victims and their families through a five-day trial at Bolton Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty. He was sentenced on September 17.

Prosecutor Robert Smith told the court:

"He then proceeded to digitally penetrate and rape her."

Victim statements were read. The rape victim said she was "so scared" and felt "if I stopped him, he would have killed me."

The first victim added: "I feel like he is always there, I feel like someone is watching me, following me, it makes me scared." She "keeps getting flashbacks" in dreams "a lot" and has spoken to a doctor.

Ashton, of Westhoughton, has 41 convictions for 108 offences, mostly dishonesty and court order breaches, plus battery, common assault, and harassment. He has no prior sexual convictions; his last offence was in 2016.

The jury convicted him of seven counts: two rapes, three assaults by penetration, and two sexual assaults.

Defense counsel Anna Chestnutt noted:

"He is still only 33, notwithstanding his lengthy previous convictions. His last offending was almost a decade ago and he has no convictions for sexual offending." She said he changed his life in 2016 after drug misuse issues.

Judge Abigail Hudson highlighted the victims' vulnerability and how Ashton used cannabis to "assist the offending." Citing his poor compliance with court orders, she deemed him a "dangerous offender," adding: "A sentence with an extended license condition is necessary to protect the public from further offending."

She imposed 16 years' imprisonment with a two-year extended license. Ashton appeared visibly distressed.

Judge Hudson also issued indefinite restraining orders against the victims and a sexual harm prevention order.

She commended the young victims for their courage in testifying "in front of complete strangers," noting: "Both alluded to the fact that they were concerned whether they would be believed. They gave their evidence in front of the jury and were believed, and I hope that gives them some comfort." She hoped they become "productive young ladies."