Ashley Brian Evans

Ashley Brian Evans, a 37-year-old prison officer at HMP Five Wells in Northamptonshire, was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on 12 December 2025 for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child he believed to be 14 years old. Evans, who had a background as a former soldier, initiated contact with the 'girl' on Facebook on 28 April 2025, unaware that she was actually part of an online paedophile sting group.

Evans began the conversation innocently, messaging, 'Hey, hope you don’t mind me adding you on here,' but quickly escalated to inappropriate content. While travelling on a bus to his job at the prison, he sent a video of himself masturbating and requested naked pictures of the girl, including ones in her school uniform. He used sexually explicit language, asking about her relationships and suggesting they meet for sexual acts, even stating, 'If she was 18 he would date her and that it was a shame she wasn’t 18,' as recounted by prosecutor Micaila Williams.

• Evans messaged the 'girl' between 28 April and 13 May 2025.
• He attempted to cause a child to watch sexual activity on 13 May 2025.
• Charges included attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and possession of cocaine.

Upon arrest in May 2025, Evans initially claimed his friends had sent the messages from his phone, but this was proven false. He pleaded not guilty at first but later admitted all charges. In court, Evans shook his head in denial as details were presented. His barrister, Marie-Armance Renaud, highlighted his previous good character, PTSD from military service where he witnessed traumatic events like children being blown up, and his role as a helpful prison officer since joining in 2021. However, she noted his ongoing denial of the offences.

Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane sentenced Evans to 40 months' imprisonment, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence. Additional measures included an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, barring him from working with children or vulnerable adults, and strict internet monitoring requirements upon release. Evans, residing at Archangel Square in Northampton, faced personal consequences including his car being destroyed, windows smashed, and family relocation after public backlash.

The case was reported by the Northamptonshire Telegraph on 16 December 2025, emphasising the dangers of online grooming and the role of sting operations in catching predators.