Pensioner Convicted Of Historic Sex Abuse

An 89-year-old man has been convicted of multiple sex crimes against four different children.

At Lewes Crown Court on Friday (25 September) Alan Ashton, of Rusper Road, Horsham, was found guilty of 17 charges of abuse.

His crimes dated back 50 years to 1976 and lasted until around 2010, involving children known to him.

The offences came to light when one of his victims, now an adult, bravely reported his abuse to police.

Ashton was convicted of two charges of indecent assault, one charge of attempted indecent assault, one charge of assault by penetration, three charges of indecent assault of a child aged between seven and nine, one charge of indecency with a child aged 14, one charge of indecency with a child aged four to six, indecent assault of a child aged four to six, five charges of sexual assault of a child under 13 and two charges of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

He was found not guilty of three further charges of indecent assault, one charge of assault of a child under 13 by penetration and a further charge of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

Detective Constable Kirstie Prentice said:

“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 will most likely spend the rest of his life behind bars which hopefully will be of some comfort to the victims he abused across three decades.

“If you have experienced this sort of crime, no matter how long ago, please report to us and be confident we will listen and support you.”

Ashton was remanded in custody for sentencing on 26 November.