PHILIP JONES FROM BLACKWOOD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENSES IN CARDIFF

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Blackwood and the surrounding areas, Philip Jones, a man with ties to Blackwood, was convicted of serious sexual offenses against a young girl. The incident took place in September 1993, at Cardiff Crown Court, where Jones was sentenced to seven years in prison for his heinous actions.

Jones, aged 39 at the time, was accused of luring a schoolgirl into a disturbing and manipulative game called "Fantasy for Lovers," which he used as a pretext to commit acts of sexual assault. The girl, who was only 15 years old at the time, recounted how Jones, a divorced man residing on Beech Grove, Oakdale, near Blackwood, enticed her into playing this adult-themed board game on her birthday. She explained that Jones claimed he had played the game with his former wife, which convinced her to participate, believing it was harmless fun.

The young girl described how, during the game, she kept losing and was encouraged to remove her clothes. She testified that she initially thought it was just a playful activity, but the situation quickly escalated. She revealed that she was eventually left partially undressed, wearing only her bra and a long T-shirt, while Jones, who was acting as an odd-job man, instructed her to perform a forfeited action in front of an open fireplace. The court heard how Jones, at one point, told her to mimic a tennis shot after landing on a forfeited square, stripping himself naked and holding her arms to assist her in the act.

Prosecutor David Morris detailed how Jones then made inappropriate comments, saying, "I like your body," and proceeded to ask the girl to try on lingerie he had purchased for his wife. The girl testified that Jones expressed a desire to relive past intimacy by asking her to wear the underwear, which he then photographed her wearing. During the trial, Jones was also alleged to have told her, "I can't wait until you are 16 when I can do all the things I want to do to you."

Further testimonies revealed that the girl was a frequent visitor to Jones's house, where the abuse reportedly began to escalate. She recounted how Jones would tickle her bottom and tell her not to tell anyone, actions she found uncomfortable but felt too frightened to report. Her fears were compounded by concerns for her safety and her family. The court heard that Jones later raped the girl when she fell asleep on his settee during a subsequent visit. She described waking up to find Jones on top of her, forcing her into non-consensual sex.

Jones admitted to owning the "Fantasy for Lovers" board game but claimed he had never played it. He stated that he purchased the game to use with a lover after his first marriage ended but never got around to playing it. However, he did admit to owning sex aids, a collection of pornographic literature, and women’s underwear. Despite denying charges of rape, attempted rape, and three counts of indecent assault, the jury found him guilty of all charges.

This case highlights the disturbing manipulation and abuse inflicted by Philip Jones, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the young victim and the community of Blackwood. His conviction underscores the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.