Ashley Payne

Ashley Payne, aged 35 and formerly of Keighley, West Yorkshire, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for a series of nasty and vicious sexual offences that demonstrated a persistent and determined pattern of harmful behaviour over a prolonged period.

The court heard that Payne raped one victim, subjecting her to extreme violence and threats. He threatened her with an iron bar, held a knife to her throat, and chillingly stated, 'I’ll twist your neck off.' A second victim was also terrorised when Payne threatened to rape and kill her. These acts left the victims profoundly affected; one described how 'fear still lingers in her mind' and that Payne had 'erased her emotions.' The other victim reported suffering from constant anxiety, panic attacks, and a body in perpetual 'constant fight or flight' mode. Payne was convicted after a trial of multiple offences, including rape, which the judge noted had left one victim 'broken.'

During sentencing, His Honour Judge Roger Thomas KC described Payne as posing a significant risk of causing serious harm to others in the future, stating, 'My answer to that question is a resounding “yes”. There is no other sensible conclusion that I can reach.' The judge highlighted Payne's 'very deep and intractable side to you that is sheer nastiness,' reflected in his 'persistent and determined conduct of a nasty, vicious sort over a long period of time.' Recordings recovered from Payne’s mobile phone were described as 'very nasty and indeed vile,' providing a stark insight into his character and lack of empathy. Payne, who appeared via video link from HMP Leeds, denied responsibility for his actions in a vicious manner and had not engaged with the Probation Service.

In mitigation, Payne's barrister argued that he had suffered significantly, living a 'miserable life' with mood swings and an inability to manage stress, suggesting his offending might stem from these factors rather than pure malevolence. However, Judge Thomas was unmoved, imposing an extended sentence of 16 years, with 13 years to be served in custody followed by three years on licence. Payne was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life, subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and an indefinite restraining order. The judge expressed hope that Payne would use his time in prison productively to become a better man upon release.

The case was reported by Tony Earnshaw, Crime and Court Reporter for The Telegraph & Argus, based on proceedings at Bradford Crown Court. West Yorkshire Police provided the image of Payne used in coverage.