RICHARD JONES CAERNARFON HARBOURMASTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN NORTH WALES
| Red Rose Database
Caernarfon Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Caernarfon, Richard Jones, a 43-year-old former harbourmaster, has been sentenced after admitting to possessing and creating a significant number of indecent images of children. The disturbing revelations emerged during a court hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court, where it was disclosed that Jones had a troubling addiction to pornography, which escalated over time to include images of minors.
According to court records, Jones, who resided on Ffordd Eryri in Caernarfon, had previously pleaded guilty to 12 charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The offences spanned a period from July 8, 2010, to May 1, 2014, a timeline that underscores the prolonged nature of his offending. When police executed a search warrant at his residence, they uncovered a total of 546 indecent images stored across his computer, laptop, and mobile phone. Additionally, investigators found a movie file linked to the case, further highlighting the extent of his illicit activities.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Andrew McInnes detailed how Jones would often stay late at work or, alternatively, would indulge in viewing these disturbing images at home when his wife was in bed. The court heard that Jones’s behaviour was driven by an addiction that began with viewing a few images but gradually escalated to more severe and illegal material involving children.
Defence lawyer Sarah Barlow acknowledged the damage caused by Jones’s actions, stating that his behaviour had “destroyed his life and ultimately what he had worked for.” She suggested that treatment might be the most appropriate course of action moving forward, emphasizing that Jones had no prior convictions and that he was seeking help.
Judge Geraint Walters addressed the court and the community, emphasizing that Jones had once been a respected member of society. “You are now 43 years of age and until this matter came to light, you were a man who had led a distinguished life, always worked and played a full role in the community,” he said. The judge noted that Jones had been a family man and was regarded positively by many in Caernarfon. However, the judge also pointed out that Jones’s addiction had led him down a dark path, with his interest escalating from general pornography to images of children, which he described as a serious and damaging progression.
Judge Walters explained that Jones had become a recluse, ashamed of his actions, and had lost his home and his job as harbourmaster, which he left in June 2014. The court heard that Jones was now a shadow of his former self, struggling with shame and social withdrawal. The judge emphasized the gravity of viewing images of children, stating, “The images are of real children… every time somebody views that on a page, that still happens to them.”
In sentencing, Judge Walters ordered Jones to complete a three-year community order aimed at addressing his addiction to this type of pornography. Additionally, he was handed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which requires him to register as a sex offender for five years. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats offences involving the exploitation of children and the importance of preventing such behaviour in the future.
It is understood that Jones resigned from his position as harbourmaster in June 2014, prior to his arrest and court proceedings. His case has sparked concern among residents of Caernarfon, who are now grappling with the implications of such a serious breach of trust by a once-respected community figure.
According to court records, Jones, who resided on Ffordd Eryri in Caernarfon, had previously pleaded guilty to 12 charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The offences spanned a period from July 8, 2010, to May 1, 2014, a timeline that underscores the prolonged nature of his offending. When police executed a search warrant at his residence, they uncovered a total of 546 indecent images stored across his computer, laptop, and mobile phone. Additionally, investigators found a movie file linked to the case, further highlighting the extent of his illicit activities.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Andrew McInnes detailed how Jones would often stay late at work or, alternatively, would indulge in viewing these disturbing images at home when his wife was in bed. The court heard that Jones’s behaviour was driven by an addiction that began with viewing a few images but gradually escalated to more severe and illegal material involving children.
Defence lawyer Sarah Barlow acknowledged the damage caused by Jones’s actions, stating that his behaviour had “destroyed his life and ultimately what he had worked for.” She suggested that treatment might be the most appropriate course of action moving forward, emphasizing that Jones had no prior convictions and that he was seeking help.
Judge Geraint Walters addressed the court and the community, emphasizing that Jones had once been a respected member of society. “You are now 43 years of age and until this matter came to light, you were a man who had led a distinguished life, always worked and played a full role in the community,” he said. The judge noted that Jones had been a family man and was regarded positively by many in Caernarfon. However, the judge also pointed out that Jones’s addiction had led him down a dark path, with his interest escalating from general pornography to images of children, which he described as a serious and damaging progression.
Judge Walters explained that Jones had become a recluse, ashamed of his actions, and had lost his home and his job as harbourmaster, which he left in June 2014. The court heard that Jones was now a shadow of his former self, struggling with shame and social withdrawal. The judge emphasized the gravity of viewing images of children, stating, “The images are of real children… every time somebody views that on a page, that still happens to them.”
In sentencing, Judge Walters ordered Jones to complete a three-year community order aimed at addressing his addiction to this type of pornography. Additionally, he was handed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which requires him to register as a sex offender for five years. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats offences involving the exploitation of children and the importance of preventing such behaviour in the future.
It is understood that Jones resigned from his position as harbourmaster in June 2014, prior to his arrest and court proceedings. His case has sparked concern among residents of Caernarfon, who are now grappling with the implications of such a serious breach of trust by a once-respected community figure.