A former Scout leader from Warrington has been jailed for 12 years after being convicted of abusing a boy in the 1990s and making indecent images of children.
Aaron Ashbrook, 59, was found guilty following a four-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court of eight offences, including indecent assault on a boy under 14 and making indecent images of children.
Abuse began in 1994
The court heard that Ashbrook began abusing the victim in 1994, when the child was eight years old, and the abuse continued over a two-year period.
The victim reported the abuse to Cheshire Police in May 2023, prompting an investigation into the historic offences.
Devices seized at home
Officers arrested Ashbrook at his home on Windermere Avenue in Warrington. Several electronic devices were seized and examined.
Forensic examination revealed six indecent images and videos of children being sexually exploited, five of which were category A – the most serious type.
Police condemn 'worst nightmare'
Sergeant Dani Byng, of Cheshire Police, said: "What Ashbrook did was every parent’s worst nightmare."
She added: "He was trusted to look after the victim, but instead of caring for him, he preyed on the victim’s vulnerability for his own perverse sexual gratification."
Byng praised the victim, saying: "The harm and distress Ashbrook’s actions have caused the victim is immeasurable, and it is a testament to the victim’s strength, bravery, and determination that we have been able bring Ashbrook to justice, 30 years since the offences occurred."
She urged other victims to come forward: "Sexual assault of children causes terrible distress to all involved, not least the victim themselves. I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault – no matter how long ago the incident took place – to come forward and report it."
