Ashley Darbyshire

Ashley Darbyshire, aged 28 from Bolton, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role as the primary offender in a grooming gang that targeted and abused underage girls in Blackrod, Bolton, between 2016 and 2018. The case, investigated by Greater Manchester Police, came to light following a car crash incident in June 2018 that prompted victims to come forward.

Darbyshire, who was 19 when the offences began, first contacted a 13-year-old girl and subsequently introduced her to nine friends, leading to repeated abuse by the group. The gang, consisting of men aged 17 to 29 at the time, approached victims via social media and private messaging, often from local hangouts near a community centre. They plied the girls with alcohol and drugs, sent indecent images, and engaged in sexual conversations to groom them.

Most offences occurred at a rented property in Blackrod, home to a 17-year-old associate and his father, where the group frequently gathered, used drugs, and drank alcohol. The property became squalid, with damage including punched doors, smashed lightbulbs, and urination in rooms. Darbyshire was convicted on three counts of rape, 12 counts of sexual activity with a child, three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of making indecent photographs of a child.

The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 April 2025, with Darbyshire receiving 15 years, of which he must serve 10 in custody. He joins others in the group on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Samantha Parry from Bolton CID stated: 'I am glad that this group of abhorrent individuals have been handed substantial sentences and are off the streets of Bolton and where they belong, behind bars.' The investigation underscores Greater Manchester Police's commitment to tackling sexual exploitation, with over 30 convictions across the group for offences including rape and sexual assault.