STEPHEN JONES BANNED FROM BOURNEMOUTH AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THREATS AT LOCAL STORES AND AMBULANCE
In a series of disturbing incidents in Bournemouth, Stephen Jones, a 49-year-old man, has been convicted and sentenced to 14 months in prison following a pattern of violent and criminal behavior that spanned several months.The court heard that Jones's actions included a sexual assault on a paramedic, threats of violence towards a supermarket employee, thefts, and acts of criminal damage, all occurring within the Bournemouth area.
The sequence of events began in September of the previous year when emergency services responded to a 999 call made by Jones himself.
He claimed to be concerned about a white substance, which was believed to be illicit drugs, that he had ingested.
Upon arriving at his location in Bournemouth, the paramedics found that Jones was denying making the call.
Despite this, the ambulance crew offered to take him home to ensure his safety.
However, during the ambulance journey, Jones's behavior took a disturbing turn.
He made lewd and sexual remarks to the female paramedic, including asking her to perform a sex act.
Despite being instructed to cease these comments, Jones persisted.
The paramedic, who was in the back of the ambulance with him, attempted to signal to her colleague to park so she could remove herself from the situation.
As she was doing this, Jones pushed himself against her from behind and sexually touched her, an act that caused her significant distress.
After they left the ambulance, Jones continued his aggressive behavior by making thrusting gestures as the emergency vehicle drove away.
The paramedic later described the incident, stating, “we do not expect to get treated in this manner.” Further troubling conduct by Jones was revealed during the court proceedings.
On November 28, he threatened to slit the throat of a female staff member at Tesco on Wallisdown Road, an act that the prosecutor, Robert Harding, described as “obviously terrifying for an employee of a Tesco convenience store.” Six days after this threat, Jones caused criminal damage by breaking a window and was verbally abusive towards staff at Talbot Medical Centre.
His criminal activity continued into December, when he committed thefts on three separate occasions at the Tesco store, stealing items such as Fosters beer and sandwiches.
His final recorded offense was on New Year’s Eve, again at Tesco, where he threatened another female employee, stating that he would “slice her face open.” Jones faced multiple charges, including sexual assault, threats of violence, theft, criminal damage, and public order offenses.
He admitted to the charges, which reflected a pattern of escalating criminal behavior.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Robert Pawson, who viewed the proceedings via video link from custody, emphasized the gravity of the sexual assault, particularly given that the victim was an emergency worker performing her duties.
The judge remarked, “You had been warned off already.
Your victim was an emergency worker in an ambulance.
She was at work, she was trying to help you.” Judge Pawson also noted that Jones’s offending was “slightly perplexing,” considering he had not previously been involved in serious criminal activity until recent times.
The court highlighted that Jones’s ongoing drug addiction, specifically his refusal to cease crack cocaine use, played a significant role in his behavior.
A probation report indicated that Jones was not manageable within the community, leading to his sentencing to a 14-month prison term.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offender’s register, reflecting the seriousness of his sexual misconduct and the need for ongoing monitoring and restrictions.
