Emmerdale: Why was Ashley and Sandy’s relationship so bad?

It’s fair to say that Ashley and Sandy had a turbulent father-son relationship in Emmerdale.

Sandy arrived in Emmerdale to see his son Ashley back in 2005. At the time, the pair were estranged. However, Ashley’s new wife Laurel and Sandy’s grandchildren tried to make him feel welcome.

During his time in the Dales, Sandy was involved in some important storylines. The biggest being the issue based story which tackled elder abuse at the hands of son Ashley.

But how did things between the father and son get so bad?

Emmerdale's Ashley, Sandy and Laurel on Ashley's wedding day — Sandy didn’t get on with his son
(Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (673490mt))

Why were Ashley and Sandy estranged?

Sandy arrived in Emmerdale in 2005 on the day of son Ashley’s wedding to Laurel.

Retired sailor Sandy had endured a strained relationship with his son as years before he’d helped his terminally ill wife end her life.

Sandy’s wife, and Ashley’s mum, Dorothy had cancer. Sandy made the decision to help her die – with Ashley subsequently falling out with his dad over it because helping someone end their life went against his Christian beliefs.

Ashley and Sandy eventually reconciled, but continued to endure an up and down relationship.

Ashley and Sandy in 2005 — Things got really bad…
(Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (673490dd))

The elder abuse storyline

Probably the biggest storyline Sandy found himself involved in was the one that centred around elder abuse.

After Ashley’s relationship with Laurel briefly ended, Sandy moved back in to the Vicarage to support his son. Ashley and Laurel ended up reuniting, but after discovering her affair with Marlon, Ashley took his anger out on his dad.

One such time saw Sandy spend time with granddaughter Gabby, painting easter eggs. Forgetful Sandy left a tap running and a colourful mess formed in the kitchen.

Upon seeing the mess, Ashley lost his temper, causing Sandy to slip on the water and hurt his wrist. Ashley violently lashed out at Sandy on numerous other occasions before eventually being caught in the act.

Rachel called adult services after becoming concerned for Sandy’s welfare, but nothing could be done. Laurel later walked in and witnessed Ashley hitting his dad, bringing an end to Sandy’s ordeal.

Sandy’s friend Edna wanted to report Ashley to the police, but Sandy refused to give a statement.

Laurel cries as she climbs into bed and hugs Ashley who has died in Emmerdale — Ashley died in 2017 (Credit: ITV)

What happened next?

After everyone in the village discovered what Ashley had done, he was left disgraced.

Ashley eventually confessed and was arrested and given a caution. He also resigned from his job and hit rock bottom when he found himself both unemployed and homeless.

He managed to get his life back on track, thanks in part to Marlon, who felt guilty for his involvement in Ashley’s life falling apart in the first place. However, it all came crashing down again when Ashley discovered he had vascular dementia in 2015.

During Ashley’s terminal decline, Sandy and Ashley had got their relationship back on track. Sandy was there for his son and helped the family through the difficult time, which sadly ended in Ashley’s death in 2017.

Sandy himself left the village for Australia to join Betty in 2018 and he passed away Down Under the following year.