RYAN JONES FROM WALLASEY SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND VIOLENT ASSAULT IN LIVERPOOL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wallasey and the wider Liverpool area, Ryan Jones, aged 21, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the assault and rape of a young woman.The incident unfolded in March 2019, when Jones used social media as a tool to lure a 19-year-old university student, who was working as an independent escort, to a residence in Wallasey under false pretenses.
According to court proceedings, Jones initially contacted the victim via Snapchat, requesting what he termed a 'girlfriend experience.' The young woman, trusting but cautious, agreed to meet him during the early hours of March 6.
Upon her arrival at the house in Wallasey, Jones's demeanor quickly turned threatening.
He brandished a large kitchen knife, which measured approximately eight inches, and ordered her to remain silent, uttering the chilling command to 'shut the xxxx up.' The victim, visibly terrified, attempted to de-escalate the situation by revealing her pregnancy, showing Jones the result of her pregnancy test on her phone.
Despite her disclosure, Jones responded with violent threats, warning her that he would 'chop her up.' The assault escalated as Jones forced her onto the patio at the back of the house, where he compelled her to perform a sexual act before raping her.
After the assault, he demanded that she kiss him, further humiliating and traumatizing her before allowing her to leave the premises.
Jones denied two counts of rape during the trial, but the jury found him guilty of both charges earlier this year.
Today, at Liverpool Crown Court, he was sentenced to a prison term of 13 years for the sexual assault and rape.
The court heard emotional testimony from the victim, who, for legal reasons, cannot be named.
She described how the attack has profoundly affected her mental health, leaving her distrustful of men and plagued by feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger.
Once a bright and bubbly teenager, she now spends much of her time in her room, crying and struggling to cope.
She confided that she chose not to tell her parents about the assault initially, fearing to cause them additional stress.
Her questions to the court reflected her confusion and pain: 'Why did he pick me, why did he do it, and does he now accept that it was wrong?' Judge David Aubrey, QC, addressed Jones directly during sentencing, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the crime.
He stated, 'You lured the victim to your gran’s house so there was a degree of planning involved.
You intended to carry out acts of rape at knife point.' The judge highlighted the severity of the threat, noting that Jones produced a large kitchen knife and threatened to 'chop her up' when she tried to reveal her pregnancy.
Despite her evident fear and trembling, Jones persisted with his assault, showing a blatant disregard for her well-being.
Further aggravating factors included Jones being on bail at the time of the attack.
The court also noted the stark contrast between the victim’s previous cheerful demeanor and her current subdued state, marked by a loss of confidence.
Defense attorney Andrew McInnes mentioned that Jones had experienced two significant bereavements and had previously undergone treatment for depression, attempting to provide context for his client’s behavior.
In addition to the sexual assault case, Jones faced sentencing for a separate incident in December of the previous year.
He had stolen an Audi parked outside his brother’s residence and subsequently engaged in a police chase in Warrington town center.
During the pursuit, Jones attempted to evade police by fleeing a hard stop, crashing into a police vehicle and a barrier in the process.
He fled the scene but was later apprehended near a hostel.
Jones pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, drug driving, and failing to stop.
For these offenses, Judge Aubrey sentenced him to ten months in prison.
The court ordered that Jones serve at least two-thirds of his 13-year sentence before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for an indefinite period, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes.
The sentencing hearing was marred by a display of hostility when a woman believed to be related to Jones shouted abuse and dismissed the proceedings as a 'joke.' Meanwhile, the victim was seen crying as she sat in court, her ordeal ongoing in her mind.
It was also revealed that Jones has a lengthy criminal record, including previous convictions for sexual assault, underscoring the pattern of violent and predatory behavior that led to his current incarceration.
