Robert Ashcroft, then aged 41, of no fixed address, was sentenced to ten years and five months’ imprisonment at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to grooming and repeatedly abusing a young child.
The prosecution was brought following an investigation led by Cleveland Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People team.
The court heard that Ashcroft targeted the young girl from December 2025, initiating a campaign of grooming and subjecting her to multiple sexual assaults over several months.
The offending came to an end in February 2026 when the victim found the courage to disclose the abuse, prompting police to arrest and question Ashcroft.
Ashcroft initially denied the allegations and maintained a plea of not guilty.
His refusal to take responsibility forced the young child to undergo the traumatic ordeal of giving evidence in court before he finally changed his plea to guilty.
Ashcroft admitted:
- Six counts of sexual activity with a child
- Two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- One count of attempted burglary
The court heard that the attempted burglary occurred on Monday, 7 July 2025, when a resident observed Ashcroft via live doorbell camera footage trying to force entry into their property, leading to his arrest nearby later that day.
Detective Constable Emily Thompson praised the young survivor’s exceptional resilience and strength, highlighting that she had endured unparalleled trauma before the defendant finally admitted his actions.
On Friday, 4 September, the judge sentenced Ashcroft to an immediate prison term of ten years and five months (125 months).
The court also imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and directed that Ashcroft be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Release Calculation: Under UK sentencing legislation governing serious sexual offences carrying determinate sentences of seven years or more, Ashcroft is required to serve at least two-thirds (83 months / six years and 11 months) of his 125-month sentence in prison custody before becoming eligible to apply to the Parole Board for early release on licence. Release is not automatic and remains subject to the Board’s assessment of public safety, with the remainder of the term served under community supervision.
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