JAMES JONES SHAMES YOUNG GIRLS IN WIGAN AND SALFORD: HORRIFIC ABUSE LEADS TO LIFE SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Great Lever, Salford, and Wigan, James Edward Neville Jones, born on January 15, 1965, has been convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. Jones, who resides in Great Lever, Bolton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges that include indecent assault on a girl under the age of 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of sexual assault through physical contact. His criminal record also includes five counts of sexual activity involving penetration with a minor and an alarming 22 counts of possessing indecent images of children. These charges stem from a series of investigations that uncovered a pattern of predatory behavior spanning several years.

Jones was sentenced to an indeterminate term for public protection at Bolton Crown Court. The court mandated that he serve a minimum of three years and 217 days before he becomes eligible for parole, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to society. The court's decision underscores the gravity of his offenses and the need to protect the public from further harm.

Details of Jones’s abuse reveal a disturbing pattern. Two of his victims, both just 14 years old at the time, were sexually assaulted at an address in Wigan during the summer of 2008. Another girl, aged between 13 and 14, was also subjected to sexual abuse by Jones. On at least one occasion, it is believed that he recorded the abuse on his mobile phone, raising additional concerns about the exploitation and the potential distribution of such material.

Further compounding his criminal record, Jones sexually abused a fourth girl in 2002 at a residence in Salford when she was only 12 years old. The timeline of his offenses indicates a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior over several years, with victims spanning different locations and ages.

Jones’s arrest was initiated on September 23, 2008, after two of his victims came forward to authorities. During the investigation, police seized his computer, which was found to contain a significant collection of indecent images of children, further evidencing his ongoing involvement in child exploitation.

Detective Constable Kevin Telford, a member of Wigan CID, expressed his condemnation of Jones’s actions, stating, “Jones completely abused the trust the parents of his victims placed in him and abused defenseless young girls. He is a bully and a predator and he deserves to be locked away.” Telford emphasized the lasting impact of Jones’s crimes, noting that the physical and emotional scars inflicted on the victims and their families will endure long after the sentencing.

He also highlighted the importance of the victims’ bravery in coming forward, saying, “I would also like to praise all the victims who came forward for their bravery. Understandably, many people who suffer this sort of abuse stay silent for many years and their attackers walk free, but thanks to the courage of these young girls who spoke up at a very early stage, we have been able to put Jones away.” The detective pointed out that the judge described Jones as a highly dangerous sexual predator who showed no remorse other than for himself.

Authorities continue to urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or rape to contact Greater Manchester Police at 0161 872 5050 or call 999 in emergencies. The police have specially trained officers dedicated to providing support and ensuring victims receive the necessary assistance throughout the criminal justice process. Additionally, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester offers comprehensive forensic, counseling, and medical aftercare services for victims of sexual violence. The center operates 24 hours a day and accepts referrals either directly or through police channels, ensuring victims in Greater Manchester have access to vital support services at all times.