Paul Jones 62

Description

A paedophile preyed on a schoolboy, taking him on days out to race tracks, truck stops and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Paul Jones, 62, pretended to bond with the teenager over a shared love of machines and Formula One - all the while forming "an unhealthy sexual interest" in him.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, May 5, prosecutor Simon Christie said the victim was vulnerable, and "the defendant appeared to be supportive of the victim's particular needs, took him to race tracks and to see various truck stops around the country.

"There was a considerable degree of exchange in digital form, with the defendant becoming quite demanding and seeking the victim's attention, not wanting to share the victim with other people."

Jones, of Davenham Avenue, Oxton, admitted sexual activity with a child, as the court heard how on two occasions he had touched the boy sexually.

In a victim statement, the now adult survivor said: "I have found the whole process extremely difficult and stressful. I often ask myself if all the stress is going to be worth it, will I be able to keep going, will I be able to keep fighting to the end?

"I have been feeling bad and carry guilt for making the report to the police... I often feel selfish for making the report when I did due to the time that had passed since it happened. My mum was so worried about me and what happened. I feel it has taken a toll on her."

He said the stress of dealing with what happened had resulted in him being signed off work, and that he struggled constantly with fear and anxiety.

He added: "The offences committed against me had a huge impact on my life and continue to do so. I'm struggling to sleep due to stress and anxiety. I'm constantly exhausted and some days I won't leave the house at all. I find myself missing things I would normally enjoy as I can't face it."

Stella Hayden, defending, said Jones was of previously good character with no past convictions. She said: "He appreciates he is the only one who bears any culpability. The victim was a child when this took place and he instigated the sexual abuse of him.

"There are a few slightly more positive aspects of his report. These can be difficult offences to accept and there was a small step forward in that regard, and he was able to understand the impact on the victim.

"He did express remorse and willingness to engage in any rehabilitation work he may be offered. He expresses no objection to a curfew and would pay any penalty the court sees fit to impose." She urged the judge to pass a suspended sentence.

Judge Andrew Menary explained to the court that, though other allegations had been made about Jones by the victim, he was only able to sentence the 62-year-old on the basis of his guilty plea.

He said: "You and (victim) were interested in things mechanical, in particular haulage companies and Formula One, and you took him on a number of trips on his own to see a number of places of interest to you both, for example the airport.

"Much of that the victim would have enjoyed. What he did not enjoy was the unhealthy interest you showed in him. At least to an extent, your motivation for spending time with him was an unhealthy sexual interest in him."

The judge explained how Jones touched the boy sexually twice while at his home.