Ashley Wilton Jailed for Seven Years Over Horrific Abuse in Norwich
Ashley Wilton, from St Benedict’s Street, Norwich, has been locked up for seven years at Norwich Crown Court. He was convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour against two women, alongside multiple assaults and false imprisonment.
Dark Details of Wilton’s Shocking Crimes
Wilton’s abuse spanned several years, with two separate periods of controlling behaviour: from December 2015 to August 2019, and November 2017 to February 2020. He assaulted victims on October 19, 2019, and February 17, 2020. During the later offence, he forced a woman to stay trapped at a Norwich property, seized her phone, deleted contacts, hacked her social media, and sent messages impersonating her.
He was arrested on February 21, 2020, and charged days later with controlling behaviour, assault, and false imprisonment. Wilton was held in custody and brought before Norwich Magistrates’ Court immediately.
Victims Speak Out on Trauma
One victim’s Victim Personal Statement revealed the devastating impact: “I have really struggled with coming to terms with what has happened to me… the situation shattered who I was.” She said the last few years were “very traumatic” and that she hopes to rebuild her life.
The second victim described enduring relentless control, isolation, and emotional misery: “I still find it very difficult to make friends and talk to people. I felt lonely, stressed and powerless… there were times I felt numb. I felt like I had nothing else to lose.”
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery, Urge Others to Speak Up
“Wilson tried to control their lives, deprive them of their freedoms and deny them their sense of self-worth, yet they found the courage to come forward,” said Detective Sergeant Lee Marriner.
“Being threatened, intimidated, called names, told who you can and cannot talk to, stopped from going out, harassed and isolated is totally unacceptable. This sentence reflects the severity of his crimes. If you’re suffering in silence, please reach out — you will be listened to and supported.”
Wilton was also slapped with an indefinite restraining order to protect the victims going forward.
