ROBERT JONES, CARMARTHEN SEX OFFENDER, JAILED FOR BREACHING ORDER NEAR CHILDREN

In a serious case that highlights ongoing concerns about the management and monitoring of high-risk sex offenders, Robert David Jones, a registered sex offender from Carmarthen, has been sentenced to prison after violating the strict conditions imposed upon him. The incident came to light during a court hearing at Llanelli Magistrates Court, where Jones, aged 27, pleaded guilty to breaching his sex offender registration requirements.

Jones’s breach involved failing to inform police that he had spent the night at a residence where a child was present. The court was informed that Jones had developed a friendship with a mother living in Carmarthen, which led to him visiting her home on multiple occasions. On some of these visits, he stayed overnight as part of a social group that included friends, engaging in activities such as playing board games and socialising. Despite these interactions, Jones did not notify authorities of his overnight stays, which was a direct violation of the conditions set out in his sex offender registration.

The prosecution, led by Sian Vaughan, emphasized that Jones had been in breach of the registration rules since November 29 of the previous year. The breach was particularly serious because it involved staying at a property where a child was present for more than 12 hours without informing police, a requirement for registered offenders. The court was also told that Jones is classified as a “high risk” offender, which necessitates regular police home visits to monitor his compliance and safety.

Jones’s criminal history further underscores the gravity of his case. He was cautioned in 2011 for possessing indecent images of children and was prosecuted in 2013 for the same offence, as well as for possessing extreme pornographic material. His name remains on the sex offender register until May 2018, and he is also subject to a sexual harm prevention order that lasts until January 2019.

The breach was uncovered when the mother, with whom Jones had been socialising, contacted the police to inquire about his background and the nature of his registration status. Following this revelation, she severed all contact with Jones, making it clear that she no longer wished to associate with him or maintain any relationship.

During the court proceedings, Mr. Davies, representing Jones, stated that Jones could not recall whether he had visited the woman’s home more or less than seven days within a 12-month period. He also acknowledged that Jones accepted he should have notified the authorities about his stay. The judge, District Judge David Parsons, took into account Jones’s extensive criminal history, which includes 14 offences related to indecent images of children. The history also includes a previous referral to the Crown Court for sentencing after a 2013 conviction.

Judge Parsons reflected on the limited impact of previous community orders aimed at rehabilitating Jones, noting that despite efforts, his behaviour had not improved. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the breach, especially given Jones’s access to a household with a vulnerable child. Ultimately, the court determined that only custody was appropriate in this case.

As a result, Robert Jones was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115, underscoring the court’s stance on the gravity of his violations and the need to protect the community from potential harm.