RICHARD JONES, OFFENDER FROM MANCHESTER, JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES

In July 2014, Richard Jones, a former secondary school teacher from Manchester, was sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting to 13 child sex charges involving two victims. Jones, aged 57 and residing on Gorton Road, Reddish, Stockport, had concealed his paedophile past for nearly four decades.

Jones’s first victim came forward only after his arrest in August of the previous year, which was made in connection with crimes committed against a different girl. Prosecutor Simon Blakebrough told Manchester Crown Court that the young girl initially viewed Jones as a trusted confidant. However, over time, his inappropriate relationship with her intensified, progressing from secret chatting during lessons to inappropriate physical contact during lunch breaks— including 'heavy petting sessions' in his classroom and even fondling her 'between the bookshelves' at a public library.

Concerns about Jones’s behavior grew when other teachers reported suspicions. He was immediately suspended while an internal investigation was conducted. Despite this, Jones continued his abusive behavior, meeting the girl throughout the summer holidays at Didsbury Park, where she felt compelled to kiss him during encounters that escalated to more serious sexual acts. The situation worsened as graphic sexual chat emails between Jones and the girl surfaced, with Jones expressing his desire to 'go all the way.'

The court heard that the girl’s relatives discovered these explicit messages. The victim later testified that she had lied to her parents to meet Jones regularly. Jones’s defense lawyer, Racquel Simpson, stated that Jones now sincerely apologizes, acknowledging his 'unforgivable crimes' and recognizing how wrong his actions were.

Judge Robert Atherton condemned Jones’s betrayal of trust, describing his abuse of the girl, who had sought support from him, as a 'severe breach of trust.' The judge noted that such crimes likely caused 'devastation' within Jones’s own family. Before becoming a qualified teacher in 2006, Jones worked as a primary school assistant and organized outdoor residential trips for students.

Following the sentencing, the girl’s mother expressed relief, saying, 'It’s been a nightmare and it was disgusting to hear the details—but we have justice at last.'