Harry Jones, 30, has been jailed for seven historic offences against a child, including rape and sexual assault, following a sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday, August 19.
The court heard that because it was unclear exactly how old the defendant was when he committed the offences, he would be sentenced as though he was an 11-year-old boy.
Details of the Abuse
Jemma Gordon, prosecuting, told the court Jones' abuse against the other child included one count of rape, four counts of sexual assault, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
In a statement which Ms Gordon read to the court, the victim described how they had “struggled to see a future” due to Jones’ actions. “For a long time I wondered if what happened to me was real,” they said. “As I got older it became impossible to ignore the memories. The abuse changed the way I think, feel and experience daily life.”
The victim wrote that although they know the responsibility lies with Jones, they carry feelings of guilt and shame “every day”. “Fear, confusion and shame kept me silent,” they added.
Victim Came Forward After Learning of Separate Offences
The court heard how the victim came forward upon learning that Jones was due to be released from jail for separate offences. In February 2020, the defendant received a sentence of four years and four months for sexually assaulting a different child and possessing indecent images of children. These crimes post-dated the offending for which he was sentenced on Wednesday.
Jones, of Rathbone Terrace, Deganwy, was found guilty by jury of all seven charges brought against him.
Sentencing Considerations
Defence counsel Ember Wong told the court that she could not offer much in the way of defence since her client had been found guilty by jury. Ms Wong told the court the defendant had a difficult childhood, learning difficulties and mental health concerns.
Despite now being an adult, it was heard how the defendant would be treated as an 11-year-old boy due to his estimated age when he committed the offences. Judge Nicola Jones explained it was unclear exactly how old the defendant was when some of the abuse was committed, so it would be “unjust” to treat him as being any older than that.
She sentenced him to four years in prison for the lead offence of rape, with sentences for the other offences to run concurrently.
