PETER JONES BUSTED IN BURSCOUGH AND SOUTHPORT FOR ABDUCTION AND INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR TOWARD TEENAGE GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Burscough and Southport, Peter Jones, a 57-year-old teacher, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after being found guilty of abducting and engaging in inappropriate conduct with a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after Jones, who was employed at Burscough Priory Science College in Lancashire, initiated contact with the young teenager through Facebook. Following her acceptance of his friend request, the two engaged in private online conversations during which Jones made flirtatious and complimentary remarks, repeatedly telling her she was attractive.

According to court reports, the relationship between Jones and the girl escalated on July 27 of the previous year. The girl agreed to meet him at a local pub, and Jones drove her from Burscough to the Ship Inn located in Haskayne. During their time at the pub, Jones embraced her in a hug, bought her a glass of wine and some food, and showed her photographs of his pet cat. He then suggested she should see his cat in person, which led him to drive her to his residence in Southport, specifically to his bungalow on Althorpe Drive.

Prosecutor Paul Becker detailed the events inside Jones’s home, stating that he showed her around the house before attempting to kiss her in the bedroom. Jones reportedly kissed her on the cheeks and, when she offered a peck on the lips, he pressed his lips to hers. Additionally, he was accused of grabbing her bottom during this encounter. Jones also offered her a drink of vodka, which he had purchased earlier, and after she took a sip, she expressed her desire to leave. He then drove her back to her friend’s house as she requested.

Later that evening, Jones reached out to the girl via Facebook, expressing hope that they could meet again. His actions prompted concern, and he was arrested on August 3. During police interviews, Jones admitted to the Facebook contact and claimed that his compliments were meant to cheer her up. He insisted that his hug was merely a friendly gesture, similar to one he might give to anyone, and denied any sexual intent. He acknowledged kissing her twice on the cheek but denied kissing her on the lips or touching her bottom, asserting that he had no sexual feelings for her and that he simply felt sorry for her.

Judge John Roberts, presiding over the case, sentenced Jones to a year in prison. In his remarks, the judge emphasized that the girl had felt frightened during her visit to Jones’s home. The judge stated, “What you did was not simply out of concern for her welfare. I am satisfied you were emotionally infatuated with this young girl. What you did amounted to a gross breach of trust.”

Furthermore, Jones was prohibited from being alone with children under 16 or using electronic devices to contact minors. His defense attorney, Frank Dillon, highlighted the personal toll of the case, noting that Jones had lost his job, reputation, income, and good character as a result of his actions.