Serial Attacker Ashley Barton Jailed for Rape and Assault
Ashley James Barton, 39, from Bute Gardens, W6, has been sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court for two counts of rape and one count of assault by beating. The shocking crimes against a woman in her thirties took place in 2020 and 2021.
No Remorse from Dangerous Offender
Barton was originally tried in November 2021, but the jury could not agree on the rape charges, only convicting him for assault. A retrial in May 2022 found him guilty of both rapes. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Barton showed no remorse, repeatedly casting himself as the victim and claiming the accusations were lies.
“You didn’t care how much you were hurting her,” Judge HHJ Duncan told Barton during sentencing. “You portrayed yourself as a ‘knight in shining armour,’ while doing everything to destroy her. You gaslighted and insulted her, shattering her self-esteem. You are a manipulator steeped in misogyny with a disturbing pattern of behaviour.”
Lifetime Restrictions and Tough Sentence
- Barton was handed a lengthy prison sentence.
- He was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- He must comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, requiring him to notify police about any intimate relationships — with no expiry date.
Detective Constable Chris Willey from the Central West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit described Barton as a “dangerous serial offender” whose assaults on women have become more violent over time, culminating in rape.
“He targets women at their most vulnerable,” said DC Willey. “The prison sentence and prevention order will restrict his ability to harm again.”
Victim’s Courage Praised by Police
PC Sol Bhugaloo, who supported the victim throughout the case, praised her bravery for enduring two court trials to seek justice. “Her courage is outstanding,” he said. “I hope this encourages all victims of sexual violence to come forward. You will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers.”
