Buckley man spared jail for underage sex conviction

A Flintshire man described as “selfish” and “immature” by a judge has walked free from court despite being convicted of sexual activity with an underage teenager.

Aaron Jones, now 22, from Mold Road in Buckley, was handed a suspended sentence at Mold Crown Court on Monday after being found guilty following a trial.

The court heard Jones was 20 when he committed the offence in 2023 and had no previous criminal record. Defence barrister Simon Rogers told the court the sexual activity was consensual and the victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had not been coerced.

However, Judge Simon Mills didn’t hold back in his criticism of Jones, telling him he had been “selfish” by forcing the victim to endure a trial. The judge said Jones’s behaviour demonstrated he was “immature” and showed no remorse, adding it was time he “grew up”.

Despite the serious nature of the offence, Judge Mills said there was “just enough” reason not to impose an immediate custodial sentence. Instead, he handed down what he described as a “robust” package of community measures.

Jones received a 15-month prison sentence, suspended for 15 months. He must complete 26 sessions of a building choices programme and 15 rehabilitation activity requirements. He’ll also be monitored by GPS for four months and must comply with a five-year restraining order.

Additionally, Jones has been placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and must pay a statutory surcharge. Patrick Gartland prosecuted the case.

The judge issued a stark warning to Jones that any breach of these requirements would result in him being sent straight to prison.