A Rapist from Bolton, Nathan Ashton, has been indicted on several sexual offences, including rape.
Nathan Ashton, 26, of Southfield Drive, faces charges of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.
Nathan Ashton has been detained in jail and is set to appear at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, February 5.
If you or an acquaintance has experienced rape or sexual assault, you may report it to the police by dialling 101 or 999 in case of an emergency.
Information and crimes can also be reported on the Greater Manchester Police website at www.gmp.police.uk
You may also report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
UPDATE 21.09.25
Nathan Ashton, 33, the Westhoughton Rapist, sexually assaulted one girl on two occasions after intoxicating her with cannabis, resulting in her experiencing a “whitey,” which rendered her susceptible.
He similarly attacked a second victim by administering cannabis, followed by digital penetration and rape. He exited the room prior to returning to assault her once more.
Following his arrest, Nathan Ashton subjected the victims and their families to a five-day trial at Bolton Crown Court, where a jury convicted him. He received his sentence 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.
Nathan 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 offence 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 Nathan 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. Nathan 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 would become “productive young ladies.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, 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.