QUENTIN JONES FROM BARRY SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CARDIFF AND BARRY

In a disturbing incident that took place in February 2018, Quentin Jones, a 22-year-old man from Barry, was involved in a serious sexual assault on a teenage girl aboard a bus in Cardiff. The events unfolded after Jones, who had consumed nearly eleven pints of lager, deliberately chose to sit next to the 17-year-old victim at a bus stop in King Square, Barry, around 6 pm.

According to court proceedings, Jones initiated a conversation with the young girl, who was waiting alone at the bus stop. The prosecutor, Jason Howells, explained that after she boarded the bus and sat towards the back, Jones also entered and moved past several empty seats to sit directly opposite her. The girl reportedly felt increasingly uncomfortable but felt unable to move away from his presence.

Jones then began to make inappropriate comments, tapping her leg with his foot and saying, “I’m sorry, I find it funny.” The girl responded by moving her leg away and expressing that she did not wish to engage with him. Despite her discomfort, Jones continued his inappropriate behavior, asking her what girls like and commenting on her clothing, specifically noting her tight trousers. He looked her up and down and made a comment about what boys like, which she found disgusting.

As the interaction progressed, Jones stared at her and expressed that she was “really sexy,” then proceeded to touch her foot with his hand and moved his hand up her leg. The girl pushed his hand away and told him to stop, fearing what might happen next. Despite her protests, Jones touched her foot again and, this time, placed his hand inside the bottom of her trousers. She pleaded with him to stop, warning that she would tell someone and asking him to leave her alone.

Before leaving the bus, Jones pressed the stop button, complimented her by saying, “You’re looking really good,” and then disembarked at the end of Broad Street. The victim managed to take a photo of Jones on her phone, which, along with CCTV footage from the bus, was used to identify him.

Jones was arrested the following day. During police interviews, he claimed to be sorry and suggested that he must have been drunk, stating he could not remember the incident. He admitted to having been in the Bassett Bar and consuming eleven pints of Carling beer. Jones also claimed he was “trying to be nice” and was in a “jokey mood,” denying any sexual intent or feelings. He acknowledged that he probably said the girl was “sexy” but could not explain why he made such comments or why he touched her leg.

Prosecutors highlighted that the victim was “frozen to her seat in fear” and now feels scared to use the bus. It was also revealed that Jones had a history of criminal behavior, including five previous convictions—three for sexual assaults, one for attempted sexual assault, and one for shoplifting.

Representing Jones, Nicholas Gareth Jones, his defense lawyer, described him as someone with a low IQ who lives in supported housing and has issues with alcohol. He characterized his client as an “unusual character” and argued that prison would be inappropriate.

Judge Eleri Rees delivered the sentence, condemning Jones for his repeated behavior while intoxicated. She stated, “Yet again, while in drink, you go and harass and touch a young woman who wants nothing to do with you, causing her embarrassment, distress, and fear. You may have found it amusing at the time but she—and the other women—certainly did not.”

Jones was sentenced to 30 weeks in jail, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 25 hours of rehabilitation activities and adhere to a 12-week curfew. The judge also imposed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, prohibiting him from entering pubs and drinking in public streets. She warned him that this was his last chance, stating, “Breach this order and you will find yourself going downstairs.”