Ashley Roberts of Colliery Close, the Allerton Bywater Paedophile was sentenced to 26 and a half years in prison at Leeds Crown Court after being convicted of 14 charges against a woman, whom he first encountered when she was a minor.
The 32-year-old was convicted in July of seven charges of rape, two acts of sexual assault, kidnapping, severe bodily injury, deliberate strangulation, and two counts of making threats to kill.
Ashley Roberts was additionally convicted of another charge of child maltreatment, subsequent to enquiries conducted throughout the inquiry into an additional victim.
Ashley Roberts was sentenced to a total of 26 and a half years, with an extended licence period of five years, at the court appearance on Thursday, July 24th.
Ashley Roberts was handed a restraining order and will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
In the victim’s own words, she said:
“I close my eyes and I am back there, in that place, fighting, doing anything to stay alive.
“You may have kidnapped, raped and beat me but eventually I won’t need to look over my shoulder or be scared because you didn’t break me…”
Detective Constable Argie Dratzidis of Leeds District Safeguarding Team, who led the investigation said:
“I firstly want to recognise the sheer bravery of our victim for her courage to come forward to police to report the harrowing abuse she was subjected to but also for navigating the complex and lengthy criminal justice process.
“Ashley Roberts is a violent and predatory sexual offender who refused to take accountability for his actions. The sentence handed to Ashley Roberts, should be a reminder that sexual abuse and violence will not be tolerated. We will continue to do all we can to fight for justice.”
Detective Inspector Nicola Morton-Wiltshire added: “I would also like to acknowledge the complexity and challenges of this case. The sentencing given to Ashley Roberts is a result of the absolute dedication DC Dratzidis and colleagues devoted to their investigation and to getting the justice the victims deserved in order to put a dangerous offender behind bars.
“If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, please know it is never your fault. You will be listened to, supported and it will be dealt with sensitively and with the utmost seriousness.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.