A woman from Tameside has bravely waived her anonymity after being sexually assaulted.
Kellie Shaw from Ashton-under-Lyne has spoken out to encourage other victims to report to police after she was sexually assaulted after a night out in November 2021.
Her attacker – former partner John Ashton (20/04/1980), of Booth Close, Stalybridge – was handed an 18-month suspended sentence when he appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 16/03/2026 after pleading guilty to two counts sexual assault.
He was also given 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and to pay £2,000 in victim compensation.
Kellie, 48, recalls how the attack destroyed the ‘happy and sociable’ life she once enjoyed.
She bravely stood up in court and said: “Before this offence, I was actively involved in my community, working full-time, raising my four children and taking part in fundraising for charity.
“I lived a full and positive life. Since this traumatic experience, caused by what John Ashton did to me, that life has been taken away.”
‘This trauma has affected every part of my life’
Following a night out in November 2021, Ashton asked Kellie for sex in the morning, which she refused, sending him in a rage.
He sexually assaulted her before taking her phone and leaving her without any clothes in his bedroom before driving her home.
In her victim impact statement, Kellie recalled how she was curled up against the headboard in fear of what could come next, thinking only of surviving and getting home.
After the assault, Kellie remained in shock and extreme distress but managed to report the incident at Ashton-under-Lyne Police Station.
Her physical and mental health deteriorated rapidly. She became unable to function and says the impact that this incident has had on her has been life changing and resulted in her leaving her job as a chef.
Kellie said: “I was a strong person, but this offence reduced me to someone I no longer recognised. This trauma has affected every part of my life, it forced me to leave the job I loved, and I remain unable to work.
“I have undergone specialist trauma therapy for years, but I am not fully healed. At times, it has felt as though I have served a prison sentence in my own mind.
“What was done to me was inhumane and degrading. I had no control over this offence, yet I live with its consequences every day.
“This assault destroyed the life I once had, and I will carry its impact with me permanently.”
Kellie also thanked the investigation team, adding: “DC Steve Johnson and team have supported and guided me, they have been very understanding and listened to me.
“Its not been easy, but with the way he supported me and let me guide my own path has helped process at my pace – I am so grateful for this.”
Any victims of sexual violence or sexual assault should contact police through one of our many reporting tools where you will be listened to and the crimes investigates. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
