STEVE JONES FROM BIDSTON, WIRRAL, SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bidston, Wirral, Steven Jones, aged 21, was convicted of a heinous sexual assault against a young girl in her own home. The incident occurred in July when the girl, only 12 years old, was sleeping peacefully in her bedroom, unaware of the danger lurking outside her window.

According to court proceedings, Jones used a wheelie bin to access a flat roof, which allowed him to climb into the girl's home through an open window. The night was warm, and her parents were away, leaving her in the care of two older relatives. She was sleeping alone when the intrusion happened just before 1am.

She was awakened by a noise coming from her open window and was immediately confronted by Jones. The attacker forcibly covered her face with his hands to prevent her from screaming and roughly twisted her arms behind her back. During this terrifying ordeal, Jones demanded that she remove her pajamas and proceeded to sexually assault her.

Her relatives, hearing the commotion, attempted to intervene. One of them armed himself in an effort to confront the intruder, but Jones managed to escape by running out of her bedroom, rushing down the stairs, and fleeing through the front door. Meanwhile, a neighbor, alerted by the screams and banging sounds, called the police to report the incident.

Authorities quickly responded and identified Jones through CCTV footage captured in the area. Further evidence was obtained when blood belonging to Jones was found on the victim and her bedclothes, linking him directly to the assault.

Jones, who resides on Bude Close in Bidston, has an extensive criminal record with 17 convictions covering 24 offenses. Notably, none of his previous convictions involved sexual crimes or burglary. Despite this, he pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual assault in court.

During his defense, his lawyer, Tom Watson, expressed remorse on behalf of Jones, stating, “I am instructed by the defendant to apologise to her and her family. I’m instructed to acknowledge the long-term impact these offenses will have on the girl. He is remorseful. He is ashamed. He is distressed at the memory of that night and what he has done. His apologies though they sound shallow are all he can do at this stage.”

Judge Andrew Hatton described Jones as a dangerous offender and sentenced him to seven years in prison. He will be required to serve a minimum of four years and eight months before being eligible for parole. Additionally, Jones was placed under an extended four-year license and prohibited from being alone with young girls.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Hatton emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “This innocent 12-year-old girl was sleeping soundly and contentedly in her own bed in her own home where she was entitled to feel safe and secure. She confronted you in great fear. You held your hands over her face to stifle her screams. This was an extremely sinister offence. I have no hesitation in reaching the conclusion that you are dangerous.”

Detective Inspector Stephen Jones from Merseyside Police’s Unity rape investigation team commented on the case, saying, “Steven Anthony Jones committed a despicable act against an innocent little girl. She was asleep in her bed where she rightly felt safe when this man climbed in through her bedroom window in the early hours and committed a serious sexual assault against her. I cannot imagine the terror she must have felt at the time and the devastating effect this incident will have had on her. Jones tried to deny the offence even after being charged but, in the face of overwhelming evidence secured in a comprehensive investigation, he pleaded guilty. His imprisonment means that a dangerous young man has been taken off the streets and he will be monitored as a sex offender on his release.”