JOHN FORD AND NICOLA MASON FROM HOLYHEAD AND RHYL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD BOY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Holyhead and Rhyl, a couple was found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving a minor. John Ford, aged 47, and Nicola Mason, aged 25, were convicted of abusing a 15-year-old boy during the months of May and June of the previous year. The incidents took place at their former residence on Eastville Avenue in Rhyl, where they subjected the young victim to a series of depraved acts that have left a lasting scar.

John Ford, a man with a history of running a second-hand shop and managing a café in Rhyl, along with Mason, a former chip shop worker, engaged in a series of manipulative and sexually abusive behaviors. The court heard that Ford encouraged the boy to engage in sexual activities with Mason, who was pregnant with Ford’s second child at the time. The abuse was not a one-time event but occurred on at least two separate occasions, during which the victim was pressured into losing his virginity under the influence of drugs and coercion.

Prosecutor Myles Wilson described the victim’s feelings of horror and shame, emphasizing that this was his first sexual experience and one that he would never forget. The boy expressed concern about the possibility of fathering Mason’s children, highlighting the emotional turmoil caused by the defendants’ actions. The court was told that Mason performed a sexual act on the boy, and on a subsequent occasion, they engaged in full sexual intercourse. Ford was accused of encouraging and watching these acts, allegedly deriving some perverted pleasure from the situation. Ford also taunted the boy, suggesting that he might be gay if he was not interested in Mason, further demonstrating the manipulative nature of their conduct.

Judge Rhys Rowlands condemned the couple’s behavior, describing it as “totally perverted” and a clear abuse of power and trust. He stated that both Ford and Mason took advantage of the young victim for their own depraved sexual desires. The judge pointed out that Mason’s decision to become pregnant again while the case was ongoing reflected a lack of judgment and a disregard for the seriousness of her actions. As part of their sentences, both offenders are required to register as sex offenders indefinitely, and a sex offences prevention order was imposed to restrict their future conduct.

Mason appeared tearful as she left the dock, visibly distressed by the proceedings. Her defense lawyer, Simon Rogers, highlighted her previous good character and her upcoming childbirth scheduled for February. Meanwhile, Ford was remanded into custody, with the court warning that he faced a substantial prison sentence. The jury’s verdicts reflected their recognition of the defendants’ attempts to deceive the court, with Ford being convicted by a 10-2 majority and Mason by an 11-1 majority of the jury.

Earlier in September 2014, the couple faced additional charges related to their involvement with the same young boy. They were accused of giving him drugs, including cannabis and MCAT, and encouraging him to participate in their sexual activities. Mason was alleged to have performed a sex act in front of the boy, an accusation she and Ford denied. Despite their denials, the jury found both guilty of inciting and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Ford was remanded in custody, while Mason was granted bail pending sentencing, which is expected to be severe given the gravity of their offenses.

The case has brought to light the disturbing extent of manipulation and abuse inflicted upon a vulnerable young person by individuals who were supposed to be responsible adults. The communities of Holyhead and Rhyl are left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic and deeply troubling case, which underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable youths from exploitation.