A 74-year-old man turned up at a meeting point believing he was to carry out what a judge termed “utterly repellent” sexual offences against a child.
Durham Crown Court heard that retired Crown prosecutor Clive Jones was greeted by police who found condoms, rope and Viagra in the boot of his car.
The defendant soon realised he had actually fallen for a police online “sting” set up to catch child sex offenders.
He is now starting a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted of seven counts of arranging the commission of a child sex offence.
Jones, who for many years in his working life operated as a district and serious case prosecutor in the Hull and East Riding area of Yorkshire, appeared at court in Durham in March last year, where he denied the seven charges.
He stood trial at the court shortly before Christmas when he was found guilty of all counts after a six-day hearing.
Jones, of Bempton, near Bridlington, who is of previous good character, was remanded in custody and appeared in court again for sentencing following the preparation of a background report on the defendant by the Probation Service.
Tom Storey, prosecuting, told the sentencing hearing that the offences took place early last year when Jones contacted a woman on numerous occasions with the intention of arranging sexual activity with a child.
The woman, ‘Karen’, a profile created by undercover police operators, purported to have a seven-year-old child, with whom Jones arranged to sexually abuse.
Mr Storey said as no actual child victim existed there should only be a small downward adjustment in sentencing, as, had there been an actual child, Jones intended for the sexual activity to take place.
Helen Chapman, in mitigation, outlined various health issues suffered by the defendant, including a heart condition and diabetes, but Judge James Adkin said prisons have provision to cope with inmates suffering from such ailments.
Judge Adkin said although he noted the probation assessment that the defendant provides a relevant risk to children, due to his age and ill-health he was not minded to sentence him under the provisions as, “a dangerous offender”.
But he told Jones he was convicted on “abundant and compelling” evidence against him.
He said the defendant made it clear in his messaging to 'Karen' the, “utterly repellent sexual offences you wanted to commit.”
Imposing the 12-year sentence, Judge Adkin told Jones there would be no downward adjustment for plea, as, “you fought the case and lost”.
The defendant will be subject to restrictions on future internet use and contact with children under a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, while he must also register as a sex offender for life.
Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Rachel Hall, of Humberside Police, said: “We take all reports of child sexual offences incredibly seriously and will always do everything we can to put offenders before the courts.
“Clive Jones took a sickening sexual interest in a child, arranging to meet them and expressing perverted sexual desires towards them.
“I am reassured that he is now facing considerable time behind bars and will be unable to target any other children.
“I hope the sentence given today sends a very clear warning to anyone considering committing similar offences.”
She added: “If you do, we will find you and you will be punished for your crimes.”
Chief Inspector Al Burns, of the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), said: “Jones utilised the internet to engage with other adults on social media sites, where he arranged to commit horrid sexual abuse against young children.
“What he hadn’t realised, however, is that he was actually engaging with a police investigator from our specialist team.
“I’m pleased that he has now been brought to justice and that the sentence handed down to him today reflects the severity of his crimes.
“Our dedicated team here at the YHROCU is committed to taking action against child sex offenders and working in partnership with our local police forces to stop the harmful activities of people like Clive Jones.”
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He added that if anyone has information or concerns about sexual offences they should ring police on the 101 non-emergency line.
Should the caller wish to remain anonymous, they can do so by calling the independent Crimestoppers charity, on (0800) 555111.
In an emergency, however, the 999 number should always be dialled.
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