JAMES JONES FROM SLOUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 11-YEAR-OLD BOY IN CRAWLEY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, James Jones, a 39-year-old man from Slough, has been convicted and sentenced for grooming and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy in Crawley. The incident highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians.

According to Sussex Police, the case began when Jones initiated contact with the young victim through social media platforms. The communication was primarily conducted via Snapchat, a popular messaging app, which allowed Jones to delete messages and evade detection. The exchanges between Jones and the boy contained content of a sexual nature, raising serious concerns about the intent behind their interactions.

Jones, who was employed at an amusement arcade, had established a connection with the boy through a group dedicated to theme park enthusiasts. Over time, their online conversations intensified, and Jones traveled from his home in Slough to Crawley with the apparent plan to meet the child in person. On the day of the incident, Jones stayed at a local hotel in Crawley, where he had arranged to meet the boy the following morning.

When they finally met, the two walked along a street in Crawley. The situation took a sinister turn when Jones pulled the young boy through a hedgerow into a secluded area, where he committed a sexual assault. The victim, showing remarkable courage, managed to break free and run away from the scene. Despite the assault, Jones continued to contact the boy afterward, apologizing for his actions and attempting to manipulate him by offering presents, with the aim of preventing him from disclosing the incident to his parents.

Approximately two months later, the boy’s stepfather noticed him looking at his phone past the allowed time. Concerned, he checked the device and discovered messages from Jones that contained sexual content, including coded words and symbols. This discovery prompted the boy to confide in his parents about what had happened.

Following the report, Sussex Police launched an investigation. Jones was arrested in July 2017 at his workplace. He was subsequently charged with engaging in sexual communication with a child and sexually assaulting a minor under the age of 13. Despite denying the allegations, Jones was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court.

On the day of sentencing, the court handed down a four-year prison term to Jones. Additionally, he will be placed on the sex offenders register for life, and upon his release, he will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order with strict conditions. The police emphasized the importance of such measures in protecting the community from individuals who pose a risk to children.