MITCHELL JONES FROM CHICHESTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local community of Chichester and the surrounding Hampshire area, Mitchell Jones, a 23-year-old man from Aldingbourne, has been formally sentenced after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with underage girls he met through social media platforms.

Jones, who works as a roofer and resides on Nyton Road in Aldingbourne, appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court to face multiple serious charges. The court proceedings revealed that Jones had committed three counts of sexual activity with a child and one additional count involving another young girl. These offenses were committed in different locations, including Chichester and Hampshire, highlighting the extent of his misconduct across the region.

According to a police spokesperson, Jones was sentenced on Friday, April 28, after previously pleading guilty during a hearing held on February 27. Following his guilty plea, he was remanded into custody, awaiting sentencing. The court's decision resulted in a substantial prison term of four and a half years, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Further legal measures were also imposed to protect the community and prevent future offenses. Jones was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a requirement that will follow him indefinitely. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which imposes strict restrictions on his access to young children and the use of computers, aiming to prevent any further contact with vulnerable minors.

Details of the case indicate that Jones's offending involved two separate incidents. The first involved a 14-year-old girl in Chichester, with the abuse occurring over a period of three months in early 2015. The second incident involved a 15-year-old girl in Hampshire, with the offenses occurring around the same timeframe. Both victims were met through social media, underscoring the dangers posed by online interactions with minors.

In the March 2017 proceedings, Jones admitted to the charges, which included three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 14 and one count involving a girl aged 15. The court was informed that these offenses took place in Chichester and Hampshire, emphasizing the geographical spread of his misconduct. As a result, he was remanded in custody and scheduled for sentencing in April, with authorities confirming that he would face a custodial sentence and be placed on the sex offenders register.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors online and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice in the region of Chichester and beyond.