MARTIN JAMES JONES PERTH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER STALKING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CITY CENTRE

A man with a disturbing history of sexual offences, Martin James Jones, was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison at the Sheriff Court in Perth for his involvement in a frightening incident targeting a young girl in the city centre.

Jones, aged 25 and also known by the surname Miller, had been stalking a 12-year-old girl in Perth’s bustling city centre shortly after he was released from a previous prison sentence. The court heard that his actions included following the girl into local stores, staring at her in a threatening manner, and causing her to seek refuge behind display shelves before she ran away in fear. These distressing events underscored the danger he posed to the community.

Following his sentencing, Jones was ordered to serve a further nine months under supervision once released from prison. Additionally, he was issued a comprehensive five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which imposes strict restrictions on his movements and interactions. Among the conditions are prohibitions against being alone with any child under the age of 17, frequenting playgrounds or school grounds used by minors, living in accommodations where a child under 17 resides, or residing with someone who has committed a sexual offence.

The court was informed that social workers had assessed Jones as being at a 'very high risk' of re-offending, highlighting the ongoing danger he presents to the community. His criminal record includes a series of serious convictions, notably a sexual assault involving a child in 2006, a probation sentence in 2002 for indecent assault, and a jail term in 2007 for terrorising a 14-year-old girl attending a Perth school.

Furthermore, Jones has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an additional ten years, reflecting the severity of his past and potential future offences. The case detailed his pattern of predatory behaviour, which included following young girls into stores and intimidating them with threatening stares.

Sheriff William Gilchrist emphasized the gravity of Jones’s actions and the significant risk he continues to pose. He stated that the sentence handed down was appropriate given the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect the public.

Local politician Roseanna Cunningham, representing Perth, commented on the case, expressing concern about the dangers posed by offenders like Jones and criticizing the limitations of current laws in safeguarding the community. Her remarks underscored the ongoing debate about how best to prevent such incidents and ensure public safety in Perth.