Sex assaults on teen land man in jail

David Jones (42), who preyed on his 18-year-old victim over a period of months, was sentenced to 30 months.

Sgt Abbie Lyon said: “First and foremost, I want to highlight the immense bravery of the victim in this case.

“She spent a long time unable to report Jones’ sexual crimes as she feared him and the possible impact making the report would have on her family.

“The traumatic effect of Jones’ offending cannot be understated, and the victim became increasingly scared and isolated.

“It reached a point where she was able to courageously confide in her friends and family, who notified police and our investigation began.”

The sergeant added: “She took the further brave step of standing up in court to give evidence against her attacker, as he refused to admit what he’d done, saying his sexual offending was ‘banter’.  

“I want to make it very clear that sexually assaulting another person is absolutely not banter, it is a crime and behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable.”

Jones, formerly of Springfield Road in Kilnhurst, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last on March 30.

He received concurrent prison sentences for seven counts of sexual assault, having been found guilty at an earlier hearing.

Sgt Lyon said: “I hope that in sharing this result, it will encourage other victims of sexual violence and abuse to confide in someone, knowing that we will support them every step of the way.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, which includes sexual violence and assaults, and challenging views where serious sexual crimes are diminished in a bid to make victims feel disempowered.”

South Yorkshire Police said no photograph of Jones was available as Jones attended custody voluntarily.

Find out more about the regional campaign combatting violence against women and girls at www.nomore-standwithus.com.