LLION WYN JONES SENTENCED IN NORTH WALES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BANGOR
A man with menacing what was described as 'evil eyes' who followed a woman into an underpass in Bangor in the early hours and committed a sexual attack has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison.Judge Rhys Rowlands told Llion Wyn Jones that his actions embodied 'the stuff of nightmares for young women and their families.' The victim, who was 20 years old at the time, had to stop working following the incident and provided a victim impact statement to the court, sharing how her life had been completely changed by the assault in Bangor.
Jones, aged 43 and of Ashton Terrace, Caernarfon, pleaded guilty to a charge of false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offence.
A charge of attempted rape was dropped.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Jones grabbed the woman by the throat, attempted to open her clothing, and even tried to undo his own trousers during the attack on Penybryn Road.
The court heard that the victim managed to kick him as she feared losing consciousness and was able to escape.
Jones was observed laughing as he walked away from the scene.
Judge Rowlands, presiding at Mold Crown Court, praised the victim for her bravery and composure throughout the ordeal.
Prosecutor Elen Owen explained that on September 10, in the early hours, the victim was walking home after a night out with friends.
Although her boyfriend was due to meet her, she had set off earlier than planned.
According to Miss Owen, as she approached the Skerries pub at the end of the high street, she saw Jones for the first time.
She had never seen him before.
Initially, Jones was walking ahead of her, and she thought nothing of it.
However, she then realized he was now behind her after turning off the street.
She was on a call with her boyfriend, who tried to reassure her there was nothing to worry about.
As she approached what she described as a tunnel underpass, she thought Jones was taking a different route.
She entered the tunnel, which she normally would avoid alone, and suddenly became aware that Jones had rushed ahead and was staring at her with what she described as 'evil eyes.' Jones threw the food he was carrying and then grabbed her, pushing her against a wall and pressing his full body weight against hers.
The court was told he managed to turn off her phone while it was in her left hand.
He attempted to force her to the ground, with his hand touching her all over her right side.
When he tried to open her clothing and failed, Jones also tried to undo his trousers.
The victim shouted for help, fought to push him away, and kicked him.
His grip on her throat tightened, making her unable to see or breathe, and she was unable to make any sound despite her efforts to call out.
In response, she punched Jones hard in the jaw, causing him to release her.
She then unlocked her phone and told him her boyfriend was on his way.
Jones smirked and laughed, then walked away.
She was left gasping for breath and unable to move until her boyfriend arrived at the scene.
Jones was later arrested and during police interviews, he claimed he was very intoxicated, saw a woman dressed provocatively, and decided to try his luck.
He admitted to asking her for a kiss and grabbing her breast and buttocks.
In her victim statement, she described suffering from difficulty sleeping, nightmares, flashbacks, a loss of confidence, fears of being alone, and having to give up her job following the attack.
Following his sentencing, PC John Evans of North Wales Police’s Amethyst team stated: 'I hope this sentence reassures the victim and reflects the judge’s words that she demonstrated great strength of character in coming forward, standing up to the perpetrator, and ensuring justice was served.' He added that the case should serve as a warning that such crimes are not tolerated in the community and will be thoroughly investigated.
The police emphasize their commitment to supporting victims through specialist services, encouraging anyone affected by sexual offences to come forward.
