Cwmavon man jailed for 23 years for abusing young boys

A man who groomed three young boys with gifts and vapes before sexually abusing them has been jailed for 23 years. ⚖️

Joshua Jones, aged 32, of Heol Cwm Mawr, Cwmavon, Afan Valley, was convicted at trial of seven counts of sexual assault of a boy, inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, and oral rape of a boy. The offending took place in the Port Talbot area prior to 2020, with the youngest victim being just five years old.

Swansea Crown Court heard victim impact statements which detailed the devastating effects of the abuse. One boy had gone from being a happy and carefree child to one who no longer laughed and how it was like “all the colour” and joy had been taken out of his life.

The court heard the second victim had “completely shut down” following the abuse and gone from being happy to being angry and experiencing mood swings.

The mum of the third victim said her son had gone from an “outgoing, open and trusting” boy to someone who now trusted no-one and questioned everyone’s motives. She added that no words could convey how much she hated the defendant.

Defence barrister Ian Wright told the court that Jones maintained his denials and said the offending was “not part of a proven pattern of offending”.

Judge Catherine Richards told Jones he had groomed his young victims and then sexually abused them. She said it was clear the defendant had a sexual interest in pre-pubescent boys and had exhibited “predatory and grooming behaviour” towards the complainants.

She said she was satisfied Jones should be considered a dangerous offender within the meaning of the legislation and that an extended sentence was necessary to adequately protect the public.

Jones was made the subject of a 23-year extended sentence comprising 19 years in prison followed by a four-year licence period. He must serve two-thirds of the custodial element before he can apply to be released, but it will be for the Parole Board to determine if he is safe to be let out.

Jones will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order to control his access to young boys.