Ash Crowder Bolton

Ashley Crowder, aged 36, has been convicted of murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and four counts of theft following a trial at Bolton Crown Court. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2026.

The charges relate to the death of Graham Cox, 37, whose body was discovered on March 4, 2024, at Crowder's flat in Farnworth, Bolton. Paramedics found Mr. Cox "cold to the touch" with signs of rigor mortis, and it was determined he died as a result of sustained "blunt force physical assaults."

The court heard that Crowder held Mr. Cox hostage at his flat for 14 days, during which time he allegedly subjected him to attacks and forced him to surrender his benefits money, draining his bank account of nearly £1200. Mr. Cox, described as vulnerable due to drug addiction and medical conditions, managed to escape Crowder's flat through a window and sought help at the UCAN centre in Farnworth, where he reported being held captive and attacked. He told a councillor he had been kidnapped and had not eaten or drunk for 14 days.

Crowder was charged in November 2025 following an extensive pathological review of Mr. Cox's injuries. During the trial, Crowder denied murder, an alternative charge of manslaughter, assault, and theft, claiming he treated Mr. Cox with "nothing but kindness." However, on June 17, 2026, a jury found him guilty on all counts. The trial, prosecuted by Mukul Chawla KC and Rachel Shenton, took place over almost five weeks before the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, HHJ Nicholas Clarke KC. Public court records indicate a hearing was scheduled for May 27, 2026, at Bolton Crown Court for this case.