Child abuser, 66, jailed for string of sex offences against girl

By The Sentinel | Friday, July 08, 2011, 10:20

A 66-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after admitting a number of sexual offences against a girl.

John Astbury

John Astbury, of Shelley Drive, Cheadle, had originally denied three charges of raping a child, four charges of serious sexual offences and one charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

But the former bus driver, pictured, changed his pleas to guilty during a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court last month.

The court heard his victim had been left traumatised by the abuse at his hands.

The offences came to light when she watched a TV soap featuring a child abuse plot and told her mum: "That's happened to me."

Former bus driver Astbury was arrested at his home address on December 2 last year.

One of the officers who worked on the case was Detective Constable Jim Ward, from the Staffordshire child protection unit.

He said: "Astbury originally denied rape and other sex offences and continued to deny it right up to the court case.

"The girl was in a really bad state after what she had experienced and even more traumatised at having to give evidence in court.

"The offences were a catalogue of horrifying behaviour by this man to satisfy his sexual gratification.

"I understand there was something on EastEnders on the night of the disclosure, which involved a script line, which made her feel uncomfortable and led to her telling her mother.

"She is making good progress and hopefully this sentence will give her some comfort and help her to move on with her life.

"We have spent a lot of time on the case and we are satisfied with the result. It reflects the true gravity of the offences committed."

Astbury, originally from Blythe Bridge, also worked as a caretaker on the Tean Road recreation ground in Cheadle about 10 years ago.

He was sacked by Cheadle Town Council after a complaint from a mother about "inappropriate" behaviour with her daughter.

Former town clerk Jean Smith said Astbury would have been CRB checked, but nothing came to light.

Judge Mark Eades, sentencing at Stafford Crown Court, said: "These were shocking and dreadful offences.

"During the trial you had a look of horror on your face as the prosecution opened their case and I almost had to intervene, because I thought you were trying to interfere with the jury.

"That was in stark contrast to your reaction during cross examination when you partially came to your senses."

Astbury was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

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Comments

SMITHJONES3. Why do you get so ratty with people dont you like the truth about him, Do you defend these men that should never be let out of prison. I know what kind of girl she is and what a good well respected family she has. And she will get over it . Just hope your children never have to go through it or else you would think it is o.k.

By stoke6 at 18:44 on 13/07/11
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I see astpro has got the guts to let everyone know who she is and smithjones hides, strange that. Anyway, like I say, I do so hope that's the end of this ones freedom, and hears wishing he's in a nice hard prison with some nice hard inmates who find out what he's been up to. They tend not to like it to much.

By Longton101 at 20:15 on 10/07/11
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'smithjones3' - It doesn't matter what kind of girl she was, SHE IS A CHILD! Children need the care, trust & guidance of an adult, NOT to be abused by this SICK PERVERTED WEIRDO!

Other incidents have obviously now come to light and it if wasn't for him being locked away this time, who's to say this monster wouldn't get his hands on someone elses kiddies in the future!

Hopefully he'll get his 'just' inside, but knowing our justice system in a few years he'll be in some hostel where he can share his sick stories with other peodofiles and able to roam the streets with the rest of us.

If it was the case a child was acting inappropriately, then surely as an adult he has the responsibility to tell her that her behaviour is unacceptable and inform the parents who can deal with the situation.

Sorry but whatever way you look at this or whatever argument you come up with, I cannot see how it is right to rape a child! - And if you agree with what he has done then you are as sick as him and want locking up too!

By mcr747 at 18:48 on 10/07/11
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to smithjones3, I think I know who you are and I think you know who I am, she was a beautiful innocent child who will move on to do so well with all our support. You should be so relieved it was'nt any of your daughters, as you know only too well it could have been.You give your identity away by your terrible spelling HAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By astpro at 09:57 on 10/07/11
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My point is the 81 yr old got a reduced sentence due to his age and not forgetting the 23 yr old was he in the headlines the same day as the 81 yr old? He didnt even get a high sentence like this. My point being they all committed similar crimes yet the sentencing for these well there's no word for what they are, are all completely different this been the longest.

Age should not play a part in sentencing anyone for a crime.

By angelsnhevan at 19:39 on 08/07/11
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