JOHN TISSINGTOWN SALTNEY SEX OFFENDER STRIKES AGAIN IN WREXHAM

In December 2014, a series of troubling events unfolded involving John Tissington, a convicted sex offender with ties to Saltney, who continued to pose a significant threat despite his criminal history. The North Wales Police had previously released Tissington on bail after he was suspected of multiple offenses, a decision that would later be scrutinized heavily by the judiciary and law enforcement officials alike.

Judge Rhys Rowlands, presiding over Caernarfon Crown Court, expressed strong criticism of the police's handling of Tissington’s case. He pointed out that Tissington, aged 39 and suffering from Huntington’s disease, was already under a suspended sentence for sexually assaulting several women in Chester. Despite this, the authorities granted him bail earlier that year after he was accused of sending inappropriate Facebook messages to a 15-year-old girl, including lewd photographs and propositions for a “threesome.”

The girl’s father promptly contacted the police, leading to Tissington’s arrest at his residence in Saltney. The judge remarked, “While being given bail and on a suspended sentence, he commits a very unpleasant sexual assault.” He questioned the decision-making process of North Wales Police, asking, “Why are they bailing individuals who are subject to a suspended sentence?”

Prosecutor John Philpotts explained that Tissington had been granted police bail in February to allow for a forensic examination of his computer equipment. However, the judge suggested that earlier charges could have been made without waiting for such forensic results, implying that a quicker response might have prevented further harm. “If he had been charged at an earlier stage, in all probability that young lady wouldn’t have been touched sexually, would she?” the judge asked. Mr. Philpotts acknowledged the difficulty in providing a definitive answer.

Further incidents occurred in July, when the same young woman boarded a bus in Wrexham. She noticed Tissington staring at her, and he subsequently sat beside her. As the bus moved, he pressed himself against her and placed his hand on her knee, causing her to become visibly distressed. The ordeal left her unable to sleep and deeply shaken.

Following these events, Tissington, who had been residing at the Plas y Wern probation hostel in Ruabon, was brought before the court. He pleaded guilty to charges of inciting sexual activity and sexual assault, resulting in a two-year prison sentence. The court activated three months of his previously suspended sentence, making it effectively served concurrently.

Defending attorney Simon Rogers highlighted Tissington’s deteriorating health, describing his condition as “effectively a death sentence” and asserting that it contributed to his inappropriate behavior. Judge Rowlands responded sternly, stating, “Were it not for your present condition, it would be a sentence far longer.” As part of his sentence, Tissington is required to register as a sex offender for ten years.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Williams provided additional context, stating, “John Tissington was arrested in February 2014 on suspicion of sexual assault and interviewed at a police station. There was insufficient evidence to charge him at that time, and we were compelled to bail him pending further inquiries.” He explained that between February and July, extensive investigations were conducted, involving collaboration with partner agencies and the development of a risk management plan. Despite these efforts, Tissington went on to commit a similar offense while still on police bail, which led to his subsequent charges and conviction.