AARON JONES CAUGHT IN BIRSTALL TRAP TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BEAUMONT LEYS

In June 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Aaron Jones, a lorry driver from Birstall, who found himself at the center of a serious criminal case that highlighted the dangers of online grooming and predatory behavior. Jones had arranged to meet a young girl, only identified as 'Lauren,' who was actually a decoy created by the vigilant group known as The Midland Hunters, operating to expose individuals seeking to engage in sexual activities with minors.

Jones was traveling in a van, which he had equipped with a blanket in the back, indicating his intent to conceal or prepare for a sexual encounter. His destination was a McDonald's restaurant located in Beaumont Leys, a suburb of Leicester, where he believed he would meet the girl. However, instead of encountering a minor, he was confronted by members of The Midland Hunters, a group formed in February of that year specifically to trap men attempting to exploit underage girls online.

During the court proceedings at Leicester Crown Court, prosecutor Jonathan Dunne explained that the group had coordinated with police beforehand, providing crucial intelligence that led to Jones's arrest. The group had set up a fake Facebook profile under the name Lauren Staples, posing as a 13-year-old girl to lure potential predators. Jones was quick to contact this fictitious profile, showering her with compliments and rating her as ten out of ten, despite being informed that she was only 13 years old. The girl, claiming to be in foster care, expressed concern about the significant age difference, but Jones dismissed her worries, asserting he was 18 and calling her his girlfriend.

As the conversations progressed, Jones's intentions became increasingly sexual. He sent explicit images, including a photograph of his genitals, and discussed sexual acts such as oral sex and intercourse. Within a span of nine days, Jones had arranged to meet 'Lauren' at the McDonald's in Beaumont Leys, demonstrating a clear intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

On March 5, Jones traveled to the designated meeting spot, fully prepared, as evidenced by the blanket in his van. His actions culminated in his arrest and subsequent guilty plea to charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to meet a child for sexual purposes, committed between February 24 and March 6.

Defending solicitor Paul Webb highlighted that Jones suffers from a learning disorder and struggles with low self-esteem. Webb expressed remorse on behalf of his client, stating, "He is appalled by his behaviour. He said he is sure that had Lauren appeared he would have disappeared very quickly."

However, Judge Marcus Tregilgas-Davey was unequivocal in his sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of Jones's actions. The judge stated, "I have no doubt that you had that blanket with you on that day because you hoped to have some form of sexual activity with Lauren. You have many good qualities but you were prepared to prey upon a vulnerable, naive 13-year-old girl, as you believed her to be, for your own sexual gratification." As a result, Jones was sentenced to two years in prison and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the serious nature of his criminal conduct and the ongoing risk posed to the community.