GARY JONES FROM WREXHAM CAUGHT IN DISTURBING ONLINE GROOMING SCANDAL

In March 2014, a serious case of online grooming involving a man from Wrexham came to light, highlighting the dangers of social media when misused. Gary Jones, aged 49 and residing on Menai Road in Wrexham, was found to have engaged in inappropriate and predatory communication with a schoolgirl through Facebook.

Jones's conversations with the young girl revealed disturbing intentions. He expressed a desire for a naked hug and suggested they go to bed together, indicating a clear intent to pursue a sexual relationship. These exchanges prompted concern and ultimately led to legal action. During proceedings at Mold Crown Court, Jones admitted to attempting to facilitate or arrange a child sex offence, a serious charge that underscores the gravity of his actions.

Despite the severity of the allegations, Jones was not immediately imprisoned. Instead, he received an eight-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period. Additionally, he was placed under supervision and mandated to participate in an intensive internet sex offender’s group programme comprising 39 sessions, a measure designed to rehabilitate and monitor his behaviour.

Judge David Hale imposed further restrictions, including a seven-year registration on the sex offenders register and a seven-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO). The SOPO explicitly prohibits Jones from approaching his victim in any manner and bans him from seeking contact with any girl under the age of 16 via the internet. The judge emphasized that Jones had no prior criminal record, which was a mitigating factor, but he had engaged in highly inappropriate conduct with a vulnerable young girl.

Judge Hale expressed concern over the use of social media platforms like Facebook, noting the significant risks they pose when used improperly. He pointed out that Jones had not pretended to be a child online, which could have resulted in even harsher penalties, including immediate imprisonment. The judge remarked on the dangerous potential of social media to facilitate grooming and exploitation, especially when conversations cross appropriate boundaries.

The case was supported by prosecutor Elen Owen, who detailed the victim’s account. The girl’s mother challenged her about the messages, leading her to cry as she recounted that Jones had asked for naked photographs and had expressed a desire to meet her in person. She also revealed that Jones had followed her off her school bus on one occasion, further escalating concerns. When police were alerted, the girl confirmed that she and Jones had become Facebook friends, and she described feeling uncomfortable when he asked to meet her. She also recounted that Jones had asked to do things to her, which she found distressing, and she became upset when she ignored his messages.

Jones initially denied any wrongdoing during police interviews, claiming that the girl had a crush on him. However, he admitted to discussing a naked hug, going to bed together, and arranging a meeting, which confirmed his inappropriate intentions.

Defence lawyer Mark Davies explained that Jones was living with his elderly grandfather, who was in his 90s, and that Jones was his carer. He described the offence as completely out of character, noting that it occurred during a difficult period in Jones’s life. The lawyer highlighted that Jones had recently lost his job of ten years and had ended a three-year relationship, suggesting that his actions were influenced by feelings of loneliness and despair. The defence also pointed out that Jones had taken steps towards rehabilitation, including stopping alcohol consumption and anti-depressants, and expressed remorse for his conduct. The court proceedings had a profound impact on him, and the case served as a stark reminder of the dangers social media can pose when misused by vulnerable individuals.