Grooming Gang Leader Admits to 19 Disturbing Rapes and Sexual Offences Against Minors

Ashley Darbyshire, 28, has admitted to 19 grave offences—including rape—against five underage girls. Rather than take the stand at Liverpool Crown Court, he changed his plea, confronting the harrowing realities of his actions. Darbyshire will be sentenced alongside eight gang members convicted of similar crimes last February, following a three-month trial.

Judge Simon Medland KC underscored the seriousness of Darbyshire’s actions, noting a “substantial custodial sentence” was inevitable. Despite his medical history, which includes a stroke, he has been remanded on bail with strict electronic tagging conditions from 6 am to 6 pm.

Darbyshire’s offences involve multiple rapes and inappropriate sexual activities with minors aged 13 to 15, including acts of violence. His guilty plea also implicates him in creating indecent images of another girl.

This case emerged from Operation Pavarotti, an initiative by Greater Manchester Police targeting child sexual exploitation. Thirteen men were apprehended for over 50 offences, revealing a disturbing trend of abuse within the community. These revelations expose the urgent need for vigilant child protection measures against such heinous acts.