IEUAN JONES FROM CHORLEY SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ASSAULTS INVOLVING BOYS AT WREXHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into historic sexual abuse cases, Ieuan Jones, a 67-year-old man from Chorley, has been convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault against two teenage boys during his time working at Wrexham football club. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place at Mold Crown Court on Friday, where Jones is expected to receive a prison term of four and a half years.

Jones, who was known locally as ‘Taffy,’ previously served as the licensee of the Cardwell Arms in Adlington, Chorley. Despite his conviction, he maintained his residence in the village, specifically on Chorley Street. The allegations against him relate to offences committed in the 1990s, a period during which he was employed by Wrexham FC. He initially joined the club in 1997, working in the kitchen at the Collier’s Park training ground, a well-known facility for the team.

During his tenure at Wrexham, Jones was accused of abusing two boys, one of whom was a young football trialist with the club. The offences reportedly took place during his time at the club, which he left in 2004. After leaving Wrexham, Jones transitioned into the pub industry, eventually taking over the management of his own pub in Adlington. Although new licensees have since taken over the Cardwell Arms, Jones continued to reside in the village, maintaining ties to the local community.

Local residents recall Jones’s time as landlord of the Cardwell Arms, which lasted approximately five years and ended around seven years ago. A local observer commented, “During his spell as landlord of the Cardwell, there was always a number of young boys hanging around the pub. He seemed to be very friendly with them, even buying a mini quad bike to ride on the car park.” These observations have contributed to the ongoing scrutiny of Jones’s past conduct.

The investigation into Jones’s activities was reportedly initiated after a man came forward with allegations, in the wake of the broader football coach abuse scandal that has rocked the sport. This scandal includes the conviction of former Crewe Alexandra coach Barry Bennell, who was jailed for more than 30 years for abusing numerous young footballers. Bennell’s abuse had previously come to light through the testimony of victims such as David Lean, a former PNE reserve player. The case against Jones is part of a wider effort to uncover and address historic abuse within football and related communities.