An individual, Nicholas Ashby Barnstaple Rapist, engaged in sexual predation was apprehended and taken into custody on the M5 highway after law enforcement officers successfully tracked his vehicle. Nicholas Ashby, aged 41, committed acts of sexual assault against one woman and attempted to rape another woman while they were walking home.
The initial occurrence transpired during the early hours of Sunday, September 25, 2022, when the victim, unaccompanied, was returning home after a night of socialising with others. While strolling down Bear Street, near the entrance to Barnstaple Cemetery, she observed a vehicle parking in a designated area ahead of her.
After she had overtaken the vehicle, an unfamiliar male approached her and subjected her to sexual assault. Nicholas Ashby also placed his arm over her neck, forcing her to lose consciousness briefly. Upon awakening, the perpetrator promptly returned to his vehicle.
The woman took cover behind a neighbouring vehicle, filled with apprehension that the perpetrator may come back. The victim promptly recorded as many details as possible of the man and his car on her phone, an action that was praised in court.
Upon arriving at the residence, the police were notified and initiated an investigation led by Barnstaple CID. Additionally, a Sexual Offences Liaison Officer was assigned to assist and support the victim. An expeditious investigation was conducted to ascertain the perpetrator’s identity, utilising the information provided by the victim, and a public media plea was disseminated.
On Sunday, 2 October 2022, in the early hours, a woman was assaulted while walking home on Beaufort Walk. The victim was engaged in a phone conversation with a buddy when her power abruptly depleted. Shortly after that, she was approached from the rear by an individual who menaced her with a utility knife, warning her that any vocalisation would result in harm. Nicholas Ashby forcefully restrained her on the floor, leaving a visible mark on her body with the blade, and proceeded to assault her before fleeing the location.
The victim successfully reached her address and promptly notified the police. Specialised cops and a team of paramedics responded.
The two cases were connected, and investigators from the Major Crime Investigation Team conducted expedited investigations. Analysis of the CCTV footage revealed that a black Mercedes E class estate vehicle was observed moving through and around the area during both events.
The forensics team informed officers that the DNA collected from Nicholas Ashby was a match to the DNA found on the victim’s clothing. As a result, they sought his arrest.
The location of his car was monitored and determined to be on the M5 highway, where traffic officers were positioned in anticipation of his arrival. Nicholas Ashby was apprehended on January 5 while operating his vehicle, and despite remaining silent during police interrogations, he was formally accused and detained for both assaults.
Nicholas Ashby had previously admitted guilt in May 2023 for sexually assaulting a woman in Barnstaple in September 2022 and attempting to rape another woman in Barnstaple in October 2022.
When faced with compelling evidence presented by the prosecution team, Nicholas Ashby entered a guilty plea in May 2023. Ashby was informed that he would be required to serve a minimum sentence of seven years and 11 months.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.