RICHARD JONES FROM HERSHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN GUILDFORD

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Richard Jones, a 38-year-old man residing on Robins Way in Hersham, has been handed a severe prison sentence of 14 and a half years for a series of heinous child sexual offences. The sentencing took place at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, December 17, following Jones's conviction on 19 separate charges related to the sexual abuse of a young girl.

Jones's criminal trial was not his first encounter with the justice system regarding these allegations. He had previously faced a trial in June, which ended with a jury unable to reach a verdict. The retrial, however, resulted in a guilty verdict on multiple counts, including 10 charges of rape, four counts of inciting or engaging in sexual activity with a child, four counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

The abuse took place over a prolonged period, beginning when the victim was just 11 years old. During the trial, evidence revealed that the offences occurred while Jones was living in Fairview Road, Ash. The initial acts involved seemingly minor gestures such as touching and pecks on the cheek, but these quickly escalated into far more serious sexual misconduct.

Prosecutor Alexia Durran described the abuse as a case of systematic grooming and manipulation. She explained that Jones used affection as a tool to gradually gain the girl’s trust, which then progressed into physical sexual acts. The victim, in her police interview played during the trial, expressed her feelings of confusion and helplessness. She stated, "He just seemed to think it’s a big joke. The reason why I let it go on for so long is because I thought it was making my life easier, but it actually wasn’t. It was making it harder. I could have stopped this a long time ago, I’d got so far into things I was too scared to come out with it. I am, to tell the truth, a bit scared still."

Further, she shared her vulnerability as a young girl, saying, "You’re really vulnerable and stuff, you believe what adults tell you, you think they must be right, they wouldn’t be doing it otherwise. You think this isn’t right, but you don’t tell no-one because an adult’s told you not to." The trauma was compounded by her silence, which lasted approximately five years until she confided in a friend, revealing that Jones had forced her into sexual acts.

Jones denied all allegations, claiming that the girl was “clingy” and an “attention seeker.” Despite his denial, the court also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts his contact with minors. Additionally, Jones will need to seek approval from social services before he can see his own daughters, reflecting the serious concerns about his ongoing risk to children.

This case underscores the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse on young victims and highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial processes in protecting vulnerable children from predators like Richard Jones.