KENNETH JONES FROM TROWBRIDGE JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AND DRUG OFFENSES IN SWINDON AND EAST SUSSEX

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Trowbridge, Kenneth Jones, a 39-year-old man residing on Westbourne Road, was sentenced to a total of four years in prison following his conviction for attempted rape and multiple drug offenses. The proceedings took place at Swindon Crown Court, where Jones admitted to the charges against him, which included attempting to sexually assault a 12-year-old girl in Trowbridge Park and supplying Class A drugs, specifically heroin and crack cocaine, in East Sussex.

Jones, who originally emigrated from Jamaica in 2000, has been found to have overstayed his student visa, a detail that could lead to his deportation once he completes his prison term. The court heard that despite his visa expiration, Jones remained in the UK, raising concerns about his legal status and potential future actions by immigration authorities.

Judge Tom Longbotham described the sexual assault as “disgraceful behavior” and explicitly recommended Jones for deportation upon his release. The judge’s remarks underscored the severity of the crime and the breach of trust involved in the attack.

Prosecutor Stacey Turner provided a detailed account of the incident, revealing that Jones had met the young girl several times while she was in the company of friends in Trowbridge Park. On November 11, 2005, Jones accompanied the girl to a nearby shop, ostensibly to purchase alcohol for her and her friends. During this outing, the girl confided to police that Jones had removed her trousers and raped her during the walk.

Ms. Turner explained that after the girl returned home, her friends noticed she was upset, and approximately a month later, she disclosed the assault to her mother. Police investigations revealed that Jones admitted to walking to the shop to buy alcohol but claimed that the girl had taken his hand and pulled him towards her, describing their interaction as a “cuddle.” Jones also told authorities that the girl had attempted to have sex with him, but the court was informed that due to her age, she was incapable of giving legal consent.

In addition to the sexual offense, Jones was involved in drug supply activities. Undercover police officers conducted a sting operation in Hove, East Sussex, during which Jones supplied heroin and crack cocaine on three separate occasions. These actions contributed to his overall sentencing.

During the court hearing, Jones’s defense attorney, Stephen Moody, explained that his client had left Jamaica due to threats and had a child back home. He also highlighted that financial difficulties during Jones’s IT studies had led him to an unstable, itinerant lifestyle. Moody maintained that Jones believed the girl was 16 years old and was unaware of her true age.

Judge Longbotham expressed concern over the nature of Jones’s associations and behavior, questioning what a 39-year-old man was doing in Trowbridge Park at night with a 12-year-old girl and other adolescents. The judge emphasized that such conduct indicated an unhealthy interest in young girls.

As a result, Jones was sentenced to 18 months for attempted rape, with an additional two and a half years to run consecutively for the drug offenses. Furthermore, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was subject to a sex offender prevention order that prohibits him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for community safety.