Ashley James Barton, 39, of Bute Gardens, W6, was sentenced for two counts of rape and one count of assault by beating at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, July 28.
Barton was also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order [SHPO], which requires him to notify the police of any intimate relationships he enters into. This has no time limit. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.
Barton was first tried for these charges in November 2021, but the jury was unable to reach a decision on the rape charges. He was convicted, however, of assault by beating.
The crimes were committed against a woman in her thirties in 2020 and 2021.
Following a retrial on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, he was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced as previously stated.
The offences occurred in late 2020, when Barton punched the woman in the face for no apparent reason, resulting in a black eye. He raped her in early 2021. The victim testified in court that she was terrified for her life the entire time.
Barton has shown no remorse for his actions and, in fact, has referred to himself as the victim on several occasions during his testimony in court.
He claimed that the allegations were fabrications of the victim.
“You didn’t care how much you were hurting her,” HHJ Duncan said during sentencing. You’ve always maintained that she [the victim] was delusory and unstable. “You portray yourself as a ‘knight in shining armour,’ but with the complainant, you did everything you could to undermine her.” You gaslighted and insulted her, and as a result, her self-esteem is in shambles. You were and are a manipulator who lacks insight. In both your past and current behaviour, you exhibit entrenched misogyny. You demonstrate a disturbing pattern of behaviour. It is deeply concerning that you have shown no acceptance of responsibility. There is a significant risk that you will commit additional crimes against women.
Barton is a dangerous serial offender who has previously been convicted on multiple occasions of violently assaulting women,” said Detective Constable Chris Willey of the Central West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit based at Charing Cross Police Station.
His criminal behaviour has deteriorated over time, with physical assaults becoming more frequent and violent, eventually leading to rapes against the victim in this case. He is a violent man who targets women when they are at their most vulnerable. ” It is entirely appropriate that he has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term during which he will not be able to victimise women again. His ability to offend will be severely hampered upon release due to the Sexual Harm Prevention Order that has also been imposed on him.” “The victim’s bravery, in this case, has been outstanding.” Unfortunately, she has had to relive her trauma in court twice, and the courage required to do so cannot be overstated. Now that the proceedings have concluded, I hope she can find some closure and make a fresh start.
“We will continue to assist her in any way we can.”
“It is my sincere hope that the bravery shown by the victim, in this case, will encourage all victims of sexual violence of any kind to speak to us,” said PC Sol Bhugaloo, who supported the victim throughout the investigation.
You will be given dedicated support from specially trained officers like myself, and you will be listened to and heard.”
