89-year-old Horsham man convicted of child sex crimes over several decades
Offences came to light after victim courageously reported abuse
An 89-year-old man from Horsham has been convicted of multiple sex crimes against four children, spanning over five decades.
Alan Ashton, residing on Rusper Road, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, 25th September, of 17 charges related to abuse.
His acts of abuse date back to 1976 and continued until approximately 2010, involving children he knew personally.
The offences were uncovered when one of his victims, now an adult, bravely reported the abuse to police.
Ashton was convicted of a range of charges including indecent assault, attempted indecent assault, assault by penetration, indecent assault of children aged seven to nine, indecency with children aged four to six, and several sexual assaults on children under 13.
He was acquitted of three additional charges of indecent assault, one charge of assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and another charge of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Detective Constable Kirstie Prentice praised the courage of Ashton’s victims, stating, “We commend the bravery of all of Ashton’s victims in coming forward and ensuring justice is done. No matter how long ago offences took place, rest assured we will always work hard to ensure the perpetrator is brought to account.”
Ashton faces the likelihood of spending the remainder of his life in prison, with sentencing set for 26th November. DC Prentice further urged victims of similar crimes to report their experiences, promising support and action.