LESLEY JONES FROM WESTBURY ADDED TO SEX OFFENDERS REGISTER AFTER ABUSING YOUNG BOY IN SWINDON

In June 2000, Leslie Jones, a man from Westbury, was officially placed on the sex offenders register following a court hearing that detailed his disturbing actions involving a young boy. The court revealed that Jones, aged 48 and residing in West End, Westbury, had committed a series of indecent assaults over several months against a 12-year-old boy, whom he had befriended along with the child's family.

Swindon Crown Court heard that Jones, a married man and father of one, developed a close relationship with the young boy and his family starting in mid-1998. During this period, Jones began to improperly touch the boy, engaging in acts of indecency despite the child's clear protests and discomfort. The court was informed that Jones exploited the trust placed in him by the family, inviting the boy to visit him during evenings when he was certain his wife would be out and his seven-year-old son was asleep in bed.

The young victim confided in his parents about the abuse only towards the end of the previous year. At that point, Jones had assured the boy that he would cease his inappropriate behavior, but the assaults persisted. When arrested, Jones admitted to carrying out the attacks but was unable to provide a motive, telling officers that he did not enjoy the acts he committed.

The court heard that the impact of Jones's actions had severe consequences for the boy and his family. The child's family was forced to relocate due to the distress caused by the abuse, and the young boy himself had become withdrawn and emotionally affected by the ordeal.

Jones pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency, which the judge, Mr. Justice John Foley, described as a course of conduct. The court was told that these charges reflected a pattern of ongoing abuse over several months.

During the hearing, Anita Meech, representing Jones, explained that her client had a troubled past, having been badly abused himself as a child in care. She emphasized that Jones now had a supportive wife who remained loyal to him. Meech stated, "It appears that Mr. Jones still cannot grasp why these events were allowed to take place. He accepted his guilt immediately."

Ultimately, the court's decision was to place Leslie Jones on the sex offenders register, marking a significant step in the legal process and public safety measures following the disturbing revelations of his misconduct in Westbury and Swindon.