In 2026, the Offender Database reported that David Aspden, 33, of Goldburn Close, Preston, was jailed for five years for attempting to abuse a 12-year-old boy. Aspden, the former secretary of Springfields FC, had fled the United Kingdom for the USA in December 2018 to evade justice after his “vile” “behaviour” was first reported to the police.
The investigation by Lancashire Constabulary began in 2017 after a brave youngster disclosed that Aspden had verbally requested him to perform a lewd act on himself while inside a caravan in Cumbria. Although Aspden held a “serious” position of trust within the junior football club, the victim’s family reported that he had also been active in coaching and used his role to offer “helping hands” to pick up children.
Fleeing Justice and Video Link Plea
In a rare legal proceeding at Burnley Crown Court, the judge allowed Aspden to enter a guilty plea via video link from the United States to the charge of inciting a child into sexual activity. Aspden had initially denied the allegations before leaving the country. Following his guilty plea, he was ordered to return to England to face the consequences of his “vicious” actions.
The court emphasised that Aspden had painted himself as a supportive figure to gain access to the child. The victim’s refusal to comply with the “vile” requests and his subsequent disclosure to his mother were pivotal in bringing Aspden to justice.
Sentence and Lifetime Restrictions
For his “abhorrent” crimes in Preston and Cumbria, David Aspden was:
- Sentenced to five years in prison.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The sentencing judge emphasised that Aspden’s “behaviour” was a “serious” breach of trust within the youth sports community. The SHPO ensures that Aspden is legally prohibited from ever working in a regulated activity with children again.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Aspden is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lancashire Constabulary. His residency in Preston, Lancashire, and his history of “vicious” grooming behaviour remain under the most serious level of scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender, Aspden will be subject to strict notification requirements upon his release from prison. Lancashire Constabulary emphasise that their specialist teams work closely with sports organisations to ensure that those who pose a risk to children are identified and removed from positions of influence. Any attempt by Aspden to re-engage with youth football or contact minors will result in his immediate arrest.
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