JAMES EVANS FROM HAWARDEN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL IN FLINTSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Hawarden and the wider Flintshire area, James Evans, a man residing on Manor Close in Hawarden, has been handed a six-year prison sentence after being convicted of grooming a 14-year-old girl. The incident dates back to 2006, when Evans was 37 years old, and the case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the length of the grooming process.

Evans, now 45, was accused of engaging in a manipulative and predatory relationship with the young girl, which lasted for approximately six years until 2012. The court proceedings revealed that Evans had initially sent the victim flattering messages and showered her with attention, creating an environment of trust and manipulation. Over time, this relationship escalated into a sexual one, which the jury found to be a clear case of grooming and abuse.

During the sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Merfyn Hughes QC addressed the court and emphasized the severity of Evans’ actions. He stated, “When (the victim) was 14, you groomed her for a sexual relationship that persisted for several years, as she testified. After the initial incident, she was too frightened to tell anyone because she knew it was wrong. Later, she attempted to stand up to you by threatening to disclose the abuse, but you responded with threats to post her pictures online. At that time, she did not realize she had done anything wrong.”

The judge further highlighted Evans’ controlling and jealous behavior, noting that he behaved in a demanding manner and even threatened boys her age who showed her attention. The victim, in her attempt to escape the abusive relationship, sought to pursue a career and distance herself from Evans. However, it was only in November 2012 that she decided to report the abuse to the authorities, recognizing that this was the only way to stop him.

Prosecutor Simon Mintz explained that Evans’ denial of the allegations led to a lengthy and traumatic trial for the victim. He pointed out that Evans claimed the relationship did not begin until the girl was 16, which was contradicted by the evidence presented during the trial. Mr. Mintz also noted that Evans made it particularly difficult for the girl to give evidence, further compounding her trauma.

In his defense, John Hedgecoe stated that Evans had no previous convictions relevant to the case. As part of his sentence, Evans was also ordered to sign a sexual harm prevention order for ten years, a measure aimed at preventing any future offenses.

North Wales Police officer Claire Roberts commented on the case, saying, “Evans’ crimes were a gross abuse of the trust placed in him as an adult. The sentence handed down today is a strong message that sexual offenses against children are a top priority for North Wales Police, and offenders will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”