February 2, 2021 4.04 pm This story is over 38 months old

Lincolnshire paedophile jailed for assaulting two young girls

Police described him as a “manipulative and predatory” offender
Martin Ashmore was jailed for six years and nine months. | Photo: Nottinghamshire Police

A Sleaford man described by Nottinghamshire Police as a “manipulative and predatory” offender has been jailed for over six years for indecently assaulting two girls in the early to mid-1990s.

Martin Ashmore, 58, of Spring Gardens in Sleaford, assaulted one of the girls several times and committed the first of his offences when she was just 11-years-old.

The abuse happened at addresses in the Mansfield area when Ashmore was in his 30s.

It was finally uncovered when his victim approached police last year to make a complaint.

When interviewed by detectives Ashmore initially gave no comment. However, he later admitted four counts of indecent assault under the Sexual Offences Act 1953.

Three of the four counts related to his first victim. The fourth count relates to an offence committed against another victim in the Newark area.

Ashmore appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, February 1 where he was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Matt Grant, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection team, said: “Ashmore is a manipulative and predatory offender who coerced a vulnerable child into sexual activity over a number of years.

“As a man in his thirties at the time of these offences he knew full-well what he was doing was wrong but carried on regardless.

“What he may not have realised – or simply didn’t care about – was the very profound impact his actions have had on the lives of his victims, who have really suffered throughout their adult years as a result of what he did to them.

“So as Ashmore begin his sentence I would like to thank them for the courage they have shown throughout this investigation. Whilst I know that this sentence cannot undo the many years of hurt he caused them, I do hope it provides at least some degree of closure.

“I also hope that it serves as a reminder to others that Nottinghamshire Police takes all allegations sexual abuse extremely seriously. Regardless of how long ago it happened we are committed to getting justice for victims.”