GORONWY JONES CAERNARFON PENSIONER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL
| Red Rose Database
Caernarfon Child Sexual Abuser
In October 2007, a disturbing case unfolded at Mold Crown Court involving Goronwy Jones, a 67-year-old resident of Mountain Street in Caernarfon, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against a young girl. The court heard that Jones had engaged in a prolonged period of abuse, which spanned approximately seven years, during which he subjected the girl to indecent assaults and exploited her through the creation and distribution of explicit images.
Jones’s criminal activities extended beyond direct abuse. It was revealed that he had secretly filmed and photographed the young girl without her knowledge, capturing intimate moments that he later possessed on his computer. The court was informed that Jones had downloaded numerous indecent images of children from the internet, amounting to over 1,700 such images stored on his device. Furthermore, he had actively shared some of these images by sending them to his victim’s computer, an act that compounded the severity of his crimes.
During the proceedings, Jones admitted to multiple charges, including indecent assault on a girl under 16, possession of indecent images of children obtained through internet downloads, and the creation of some images himself. He also pleaded guilty to causing the young girl to view indecent images for his sexual gratification and possessing an indecent photograph of a child for the purpose of sharing.
Judge John Rogers QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Jones to a term of 10 years in prison. The judge also ordered that Jones be registered as a sex offender for life, a requirement that mandates ongoing monitoring and registration with police authorities. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed, which functions similarly to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) but is specifically designed for sex offenders. This order will remain in effect until Jones reaches the age of 80, restricting his activities and contact with minors.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, stating that if Jones had contested the case and been convicted, he could have faced a sentence of up to 15 years. Addressing Jones directly, the judge remarked, “I have to deal with you for two sets of very serious sexual offences.” He highlighted that Jones had admitted to indecently assaulting the girl over a period of about seven years and had engaged in the production and possession of child pornography, some of which involved his victim.
In mitigation, the court acknowledged Jones’s guilty pleas, which were considered significant as they alleviated some of the trauma for the victim and her family by sparing her from giving evidence in court. The court also took into account Jones’s age and previously unblemished character, which influenced the sentencing decision.
Prosecutor Elen Owen described Jones as a retired man who was now separated from his wife following the revelation of his misconduct. She detailed the profound impact his actions had on the young girl and her family, noting that the victim had even attempted to take her own life at one point due to the trauma inflicted upon her.
Jones’s abuse involved manipulative tactics, including telling the girl that their secret was safe and warning her that revealing the truth would bring shame upon her family. The evidence presented also demonstrated that Jones was highly computer literate, and some of the pornographic material found on his device was described as among the worst imaginable.
Gordon Hennell, representing Jones, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but highlighted his client’s remorse and willingness to seek help. He pointed out that Jones had shown insight into his problems and was open to working with professionals to address his issues. The defense argued that a sentence of less than eight years might be appropriate, given Jones’s cooperation and character, but ultimately, the court imposed a 10-year term, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
Jones’s criminal activities extended beyond direct abuse. It was revealed that he had secretly filmed and photographed the young girl without her knowledge, capturing intimate moments that he later possessed on his computer. The court was informed that Jones had downloaded numerous indecent images of children from the internet, amounting to over 1,700 such images stored on his device. Furthermore, he had actively shared some of these images by sending them to his victim’s computer, an act that compounded the severity of his crimes.
During the proceedings, Jones admitted to multiple charges, including indecent assault on a girl under 16, possession of indecent images of children obtained through internet downloads, and the creation of some images himself. He also pleaded guilty to causing the young girl to view indecent images for his sexual gratification and possessing an indecent photograph of a child for the purpose of sharing.
Judge John Rogers QC, presiding over the case, sentenced Jones to a term of 10 years in prison. The judge also ordered that Jones be registered as a sex offender for life, a requirement that mandates ongoing monitoring and registration with police authorities. Additionally, a sexual offences prevention order was imposed, which functions similarly to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) but is specifically designed for sex offenders. This order will remain in effect until Jones reaches the age of 80, restricting his activities and contact with minors.
The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, stating that if Jones had contested the case and been convicted, he could have faced a sentence of up to 15 years. Addressing Jones directly, the judge remarked, “I have to deal with you for two sets of very serious sexual offences.” He highlighted that Jones had admitted to indecently assaulting the girl over a period of about seven years and had engaged in the production and possession of child pornography, some of which involved his victim.
In mitigation, the court acknowledged Jones’s guilty pleas, which were considered significant as they alleviated some of the trauma for the victim and her family by sparing her from giving evidence in court. The court also took into account Jones’s age and previously unblemished character, which influenced the sentencing decision.
Prosecutor Elen Owen described Jones as a retired man who was now separated from his wife following the revelation of his misconduct. She detailed the profound impact his actions had on the young girl and her family, noting that the victim had even attempted to take her own life at one point due to the trauma inflicted upon her.
Jones’s abuse involved manipulative tactics, including telling the girl that their secret was safe and warning her that revealing the truth would bring shame upon her family. The evidence presented also demonstrated that Jones was highly computer literate, and some of the pornographic material found on his device was described as among the worst imaginable.
Gordon Hennell, representing Jones, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but highlighted his client’s remorse and willingness to seek help. He pointed out that Jones had shown insight into his problems and was open to working with professionals to address his issues. The defense argued that a sentence of less than eight years might be appropriate, given Jones’s cooperation and character, but ultimately, the court imposed a 10-year term, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.