JOHN GLYN JONES FROM NANTYGLO SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE AT SOUTH WALES LEISURE CENTRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Nantyglo and the wider Blaenau Gwent area, John Glyn Jones, a 55-year-old swimming instructor, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of heinous child abuse offenses. The crimes took place over a span of several years during the 1970s at the Nantyglo Leisure Centre, where Jones was employed as a swimming teacher.

Jones, who was locally known as "Nipper," had a troubling history even before the recent convictions. He was already serving a 10-year sentence for serious sexual assaults committed against five boys and a girl. The latest case, which culminated in a conviction at Cardiff Crown Court, involved the abuse of two young boys whom Jones had groomed and manipulated during his time at the leisure centre.

The court proceedings revealed that Jones had exploited his position of trust in multiple locations within the leisure centre. The abuse was carried out in various settings, including his office, the changing rooms, a sunbed room, a storeroom, and even in the swimming pool itself. The identities of the victims from the 1970s were kept confidential to protect their privacy and prevent further trauma.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn delivered a stern judgment, condemning Jones for his systematic and calculated abuse. He stated, "You systematically abused one of the boys from the ages of 10 until he was 15. It’s an understatement to say that he lost his childhood due to your perversion. He was forced by you to give evidence and relive the most horrifying acts. He was totally under your control and could not tell anyone. I have no doubt you targeted him and you then satisfied your perverted lust on him."

Furthermore, the judge described Jones as a "dangerous offender," emphasizing the arrogance with which he committed these crimes, knowing full well the trust placed in him by the community and the victims' families. The court also ordered Jones to register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from working with children ever again.

Detective Sergeant Mark Warrender of Gwent Police issued a statement following the sentencing, condemning Jones’s actions: "John Glyn Jones is a dangerous sex offender who systematically abused his victims and robbed them of their innocence." The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Nantyglo, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators in positions of authority.