DAVID JONES FROM ROSS-ON-WYE INVOLVED IN SEXUAL INCIDENT WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
In a case that has shocked the local community, David Jones, a magistrate residing in Blenheim Close, Ross-on-Wye, was brought before Worcester Crown Court to face serious allegations involving a minor.The incident dates back to July 2011, when Jones, aged 55, was accused of inviting a 14-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity in his vehicle, an act that has sparked widespread concern and condemnation.
According to the prosecution, Jennifer Josephs, the court heard that the young girl had entered Jones's car initially to use his mobile phone after her own had run out of battery.
During this brief interaction, Jones made a coarse remark, which caused the girl to become frightened.
Sensing her discomfort, she quickly exited the vehicle and ran away from the scene.
The girl’s father, who was nearby, observed Jones searching for her and intervened by taking his car keys and calling the police to report the incident.
Authorities later located Jones, who was found to have condoms in his car, and he was also noted to have a strong smell of vodka, although he was not legally over the drink-drive limit.
Jones claimed that he was impotent and that he had been serving as a magistrate across the county at the time.
His defense, led by Lynne Matthews, emphasized that Jones had maintained an exemplary record of public service for the past decade and argued that his actions were out of character, describing the incident as “a moment of madness.” It was also revealed that Jones was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and was taking medication known to potentially increase sexual desire, which may have influenced his behavior.
Despite this, the court was told there was no threat or coercion involved in the incident, and the girl was not subjected to any form of intimidation.
Following the court proceedings, Jones pleaded guilty to charges of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
As part of his sentence, he was ordered to be supervised by the probation service for three years and to participate in a community sex offenders program.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and a ten-year sexual offences prevention order was issued against him.
Judge Robert Juckes QC addressed the court, stating that the girl had simply asked to use Jones’s phone, but during her time in his vehicle, he extended an invitation for sexual intercourse.
The case has had profound personal repercussions for Jones, who has lost his wife, his home, and his three daughters, who are now refusing to speak to him.
Furthermore, he has been compelled to step down from his role as a magistrate and has lost his position as a driving test examiner.
The incident has cast a long shadow over his previously unblemished reputation, raising questions about the impact of health issues and personal conduct on public service roles.
