A woman from Tameside has bravely waived her anonymity after being sexually assaulted, in a bid to encourage other victims to come forward and report offences to police.
Kellie Shaw, 48, from Ashton-under-Lyne, has spoken publicly following the conviction of her attacker, her former partner John Ashton (DOB: 20/04/1980), of Booth Close, Stalybridge.
Ashton was handed an 18-month suspended sentence when he appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on March 16, 2026, after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual assault. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years, and pay £2,000 in compensation.
Kellie says the attack, which took place after a night out in November 2021, has had a devastating and lasting impact on her life.
Speaking about her experience, she 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.”
Following the night out, Ashton asked Kellie for sex the next morning. When she refused, he became enraged and sexually assaulted her. He then took her phone, left her without clothes in his bedroom, and later drove her home.
In her victim impact statement, Kellie described being curled up against the headboard in fear, focused only on surviving and getting home safely.
Despite being left in shock and extreme distress, she reported the incident to police at Ashton-under-Lyne Police Station.
Kellie says both her physical and mental health deteriorated rapidly in the aftermath of the attack, leaving her unable to function and forcing her to give up her job as a chef.
“I was a strong person, but this offence reduced me to someone I no longer recognised,” she said. “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.”
She also praised the officers who supported her throughout the investigation.
“DC Steve Johnson and the team have supported and guided me. They have been very understanding and listened to me,” she said.
“It’s not been easy, but the way he supported me and let me guide my own path has helped me process everything at my pace. I am so grateful for this.”
Detective Constable Steve Johnson, from Tameside CID, said Kellie’s decision to waive her anonymity sends a powerful message to other victims.
“Kellie has shown extraordinary bravery in standing up to her attacker and choosing to waive her anonymity,” he said.
“By doing so, she is giving strength to other women who have suffered sexual violence.
“Her voice sends a powerful message – you will be listened to, you will be believed – and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.
“I hope today’s sentencing can finally bring to an end more than four years of trauma that Kellie has had to endure, from the incident itself through to the investigation and court proceedings.”
Kellie was also praised by the judge for her courage in reading out her victim personal statement and the dignified way she presented it.
Support available
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault is encouraged not to suffer in silence and to report it to police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. Reports can also be made online via the Greater Manchester Police website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Support services are available across Greater Manchester, including St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, which offers 24-hour medical, practical and emotional support. Trafford Rape Crisis and Manchester Rape Crisis provide confidential counselling and support services for women, while We Are Survivors Manchester offers specialist support for male victims of sexual abuse.
For more information on available support services, visit the Greater Manchester Police support pages.
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