Overview

• Ashley Darbyshire, 28, groomed a schoolgirl from age 13 using social media and manipulated her into a cycle of abuse, including multiple rapes.
• The abuse occurred in a 'den of iniquity' in Bolton, described by the court as a site of drug use, drinking, and coordinated sexual offences.
• Darbyshire was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with the judge condemning his 'coldly sexualised' treatment of the victim and his exploitation of power and control.
• Co-defendants Brandon Harwood, Ross Corley, and Harvie Aspden received sentences ranging from 15 months suspended to 10 years in prison for their roles in the abuse.
• Eight other men were convicted in February 2025 for related offences, and six additional defendants are scheduled for sentencing on Tuesday.