ESSEX MONSTER BENJAMIN JONES SENTENCED FOR ABUSIVE RELATIONS AND SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES
A man from Essex has been sentenced to prison for engaging in an abusive and controlling sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl, whom he met on Facebook and persuaded to go on a date.Benjamin Jones, aged 21 and residing on Hereford Road in Colchester, asked the girl, who had just turned 13, to participate in fantasy role-plays involving kidnapping and rape.
Essex Police indicated that some of the abusive conduct took place in Southend.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Jones infected the girl with a sexually transmitted infection and refused treatment, choosing instead to continue their sexual encounters while still infected.
After their online interactions, which included phone conversations, the girl described Jones as persistent and pushy about meeting up.
The pair met in a park when Jones was 18 and expressed a desire to have sex with her.
The relationship turned physical after a few months, with sexual activity happening nearly daily.
The girl explained to police that Jones believed she was older, claiming he did not consider her age and thought of her as mature, comparable to a young adult.
Judge Shane Collery KC emphasized the serious difference between an 18- or 19-year-old and a 13-year-old.
The girl reported frequent arguments and being forced to perform household chores for Jones.
He also pressured her into participating in violent sexual role-plays involving kidnapping and rape.
The initial concern was raised by a taxi driver who, upon driving her to Jones’s shared accommodation, learned she was 13 and that Jones was 19.
Authorities responded by issuing Jones a child abduction warning and involving social services.
Despite being ordered to stay away from her via a Sexual Risk Order, Jones continued to communicate secretly through a burner phone until his arrest.
The judge described the victim as vulnerable and condemned the relationship as abusive and exploitative, likening it to grooming.
He noted Jones posed a high risk of causing further harm.
Jones was sentenced to over five years in prison, with an additional four years on extended licence.
He will also be subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifelong notification requirements.
The judge highlighted the taxi driver who alerted authorities, suggesting he might receive a High Sheriff’s Award for his bravery and quick action.
