RICHARD JONES FROM HANWORTH JAILED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL NEAR LONDON

In April 2007, a man identified as Richard Jones, who is known to be homeless and from the Hanworth area, was sentenced to prison after being involved in a disturbing case of online grooming and sexual misconduct involving a young girl. The case unfolded with Jones, described as an immature 21-year-old, who had engaged in grooming a 13-year-old girl he met through an internet chat-room, leading to serious criminal charges.

Initially, Jones faced allegations of rape and sexual activity with a minor, which resulted in him being held on remand for nearly six months. As the trial date approached at Isleworth Crown Court, Jones unexpectedly entered a guilty plea to two lesser charges related to his interactions with the girl. Consequently, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison and was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Jones admitted to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and meeting the girl after grooming her online. These events took place on September 19 of the previous year. Prosecutor Jonathan Wright provided details of the case, explaining that the girl, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was first contacted by Jones via the internet in August. Over the following month, they maintained correspondence through messages, and for about a week, they communicated via telephone.

Jones then arranged a brief meeting with the girl in Aylesbury, which was followed by an invitation to meet in London. The girl accepted and stayed overnight. A week later, on September 21, the pair met again in Aylesbury, where they went to a location near a canal. It was at this site that Jones engaged in sexual activity in her presence, an act that was later discovered when the girl, concerned about potential pregnancy or disease, sought medical advice at a clinic.

When Jones was arrested, he initially claimed he believed the girl was 16 years old. However, investigators recovered telephone messages and emails that clearly indicated he was aware she was only 13. This evidence contradicted his initial denial. Facing these facts, Jones changed his plea, especially after Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson signaled that he would not impose a sentence exceeding 12 months.

Julia Mackworth, representing Jones, described her client as an immature individual who now fully accepted his irresponsibility in meeting and engaging in sexual activities with a minor. She emphasized that Jones did not actively seek out underage sex but expressed remorse for his actions. Ultimately, the court registered not guilty verdicts on the original, more serious charges, but sentenced him to the lesser penalties based on his guilty pleas to the charges related to the grooming and sexual activity.