Ashley Roberts

Ashley Roberts, a 32-year-old resident of Colliery Close in Allerton Bywater, has been sentenced to 26 and a half years in prison at Leeds Crown Court for a series of violent and predatory sexual offences. Roberts was found guilty of 14 offences, including seven counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, one count of kidnap, grievous bodily harm, intentional strangulation, two counts of threats to kill, and an additional offence of child neglect related to another victim uncovered during the investigation.

The primary victim, who was a child at the time she first encountered Roberts, endured harrowing abuse that spanned multiple incidents of rape, sexual assault, and extreme violence. Roberts kidnapped the victim, subjected her to grievous bodily harm and intentional strangulation, and repeatedly threatened to kill her. The abuse was described in court as predatory and unrelenting, with the offender refusing to take accountability for his actions throughout the legal process.

During sentencing on Thursday, 24 July 2025, Judge [name not specified in article] imposed a total custodial term of 26 years and six months, accompanied by an extended licence period of five years. Roberts was also issued with a restraining order and mandated to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely. The victim provided a powerful impact statement, stating: "I close my eyes and I am back there, in that place, fighting, doing anything to stay alive. You may have kidnapped, raped and beat me but eventually I won’t need to look over my shoulder or be scared because you didn’t break me…" This testimony underscored the profound trauma inflicted by Roberts' actions.

Detective Constable Argie Dratzidis of the Leeds District Safeguarding Team, who led the investigation, commended the victim's bravery in coming forward and navigating the criminal justice system. Dratzidis described Roberts as a violent and predatory sexual offender and emphasised that the sentence serves as a reminder that such abuse will not be tolerated. Detective Inspector Nicola Morton-Wiltshire highlighted the dedication of the investigative team in securing justice for the victims and putting this dangerous individual behind bars.

The case was prosecuted at Leeds Crown Court, with the investigation handled by West Yorkshire Police. Roberts' conviction on child neglect charges stemmed from further enquiries into another victim, demonstrating the breadth of his offending behaviour. This sentencing marks a significant step in protecting the public from Roberts' predatory conduct.