ALUN JONES PONTYPRIDD PAEDOPHILE TARGETS YOUNG GIRLS IN WATTSTOWN

In July 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Alun Jones, a convicted sex offender with a long history of offenses against children, who once again demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of young girls in the Pontypridd area. The incident took place in Wattstown, Rhondda, where Jones approached a group of four young girls, aged between six and eleven, causing widespread fear and distress among the victims and their families.

Jones, aged 37 and residing in Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, had traveled by bus to Wattstown on February 4. His stated intention was to purchase cannabis, but CCTV footage revealed a different story. The footage showed him loitering in an area where the four girls were playing, walking back and forth with apparent intent, waiting for an opportune moment to approach them. Over time, Jones moved closer, eventually walking up to the children and grabbing some of them by the wrists.

According to court proceedings, Jones then attempted to show the girls a pornographic video on his phone, depicting a man and woman engaged in sexual acts. Prosecutor Julia Cox explained that two of the girls saw the explicit content, while the other two looked away in shock. The girls managed to free themselves from Jones’s grasp and ran away, seeking safety and alerting their parents about the frightening encounter.

Following the incident, the girls returned home and recounted the ordeal to their parents, who immediately contacted the police. A search of the immediate area was launched by parents, neighbors, and law enforcement officers, but initially, Jones had managed to escape. He ran off when a passing car drew attention to him. However, police quickly obtained CCTV footage that provided a clear image of Jones, who was wearing distinctive clothing at the time. Recognizing him from the footage, an officer identified Jones when he was later found at his home in Maes Uchaf, where he was still dressed in the same clothes seen in the CCTV images.

When confronted by police, Jones responded with hostility, asking, “What the f*** is this all about?” He was subsequently detained and taken for questioning. During the interview, Jones refused to answer questions, replying with “no comment” to all inquiries. His criminal history is extensive, including a conviction in 2006 for engaging in sexual activity in front of a child, during which he exposed himself and masturbated in front of a young girl. He also approached a six-year-old girl, asking her to show him her genitals and grabbing her wrist. Jones’s record is further marred by multiple breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) issued in 2017, which was originally imposed after his previous conviction for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Victim impact statements read aloud in court revealed the profound and lasting trauma inflicted on the girls and their families. Parents described their children as now being afraid to sleep alone, with some refusing to leave the house altogether. One mother expressed her feelings of stress and disbelief, while a father admitted to feeling like he had failed to protect his child. Another parent remarked that Jones’s face would “haunt” them, underscoring the deep emotional scars left by the incident.

Addressing Jones via a video link from HMP Swaleside in Kent, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke condemned his actions, emphasizing that “little girls should be able to play in the street without being subjected to this kind of behaviour.” She highlighted his dangerousness, citing his extensive criminal record and repeated violations of court orders. Jones was sentenced to three years in prison, with an extended license period of three additional years. He is expected to serve two-thirds of his custodial sentence before being considered for release and will be subject to lifelong sexual offender notification requirements.

Historically, Jones’s criminal behavior dates back to 2006, when he was convicted of exposing himself and masturbating in front of children, and attempting to solicit a six-year-old girl. Over the years, he has accumulated multiple convictions and breaches, including a 2013 incident where he was caught showing pornographic images to children in Merthyr Tydfil. Despite his lengthy criminal history, he has often been spared lengthy imprisonment, with some sentences suspended or reduced, raising concerns about the adequacy of current sentencing policies for such dangerous offenders.

In a previous case from Wattstown in July 2007, Jones was convicted after exposing himself and touching himself in front of three 10-year-old girls. Although he was initially sentenced to a community order, he breached his restraining order shortly thereafter by approaching the same girls at a bus stop, asking about buying a “dirty magazine” and being recognized by the children. The court ordered him to undertake a three-year sexual offenders’ community program and prohibited him from unsupervised contact with children under 16, as well as from entering areas frequented by children. Despite these measures, Jones continued to offend, illustrating the persistent danger he poses.

Legal experts and campaign groups have expressed concern over the pattern of early releases and lenient sentences for offenders like Jones. Campaigner David Fraser, who has been vocal about increasing sentences for sexual offenders, emphasized that early release undermines efforts to protect children and prevent further harm. The case underscores the ongoing debate about the adequacy of the criminal justice system in managing repeat offenders and ensuring community safety.