Man pleads guilty to Barnstaple sexual assaults
Detective Inspector Rob Back from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “We welcome the news that 41-year-old Nicholas Ashby from Sowden Park, Barnstaple has today (Tuesday 9 May) pled guilty at Exeter Crown Court to the charges of sexual assault of a woman that occurred on 25 September 2022 at Bear Street, Barnstaple, and the attempted rape of a woman that took place on 2 October 2022 at Beaufort Walk, Barnstaple.
“The judge has requested psychiatric and probation reports. In the meantime, Ashby will be held in remand and will appear at Exeter Crown Court on Friday 30 June for sentencing.
“This guilty plea is testament to the hard work of my team and the evidence we have put together that proved beyond doubt that Ashby attacked these innocent women.”
DI Back continued: “My thoughts remain with the two victims who we will continue to support.
“Their bravery and courage has been key in us bringing Nicolas Ashby to justice, and I am relieved that they won’t have to re-live these attacks in court as part of a trial.”
If you’ve been affected by anything in this news article, support is available. Please contact the police via our website here or by calling 101. Alternatively, advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
More: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault