Predator Mark Jones from Hungerford is jailed for serious sex assault

A COCAINE-snorting youth football coach has been jailed for a predatory sex attack.

A court heard that people had entrusted their children to Mark Jones’ care - but that he is now disbarred and been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a decade.

Following a four-day trial at Reading Crown Court in August, jurors unanimously convicted the 34-year-old, of Radley Bottom, Hungerford Newtown, of assault by penetration.

The court was told the victim had been to a house party in Hungerford where guests, including Jones, were drinking and taking cocaine.

Father-of-four Jones falsely told her he was single as they chatted.

Eventually, the woman went upstairs to bed around 6am but awoke to find Jones in her room, committing a penetrative sexual assault on her with his hand.

His DNA was later found in her vagina, the court heard.

For details from the trial, click here: https://newburytoday.co.uk/news/man-denies-sexually-assaulting-woman-as-she-slept-9427816/

At a sentencing hearing at the same court on Friday, October 10, the victim told Jones: “You shattered my dreams and replaced them with night terrors.”

Reading aloud from her own victim impact statement, she said: “My body was violated and my trust in men abolished [but] despite the fear I faced a courtroom and told my story…I became empowered.”

The woman branded Jones “a sick individual and a stain on society” and told him: “You will always be defined by your actions…today I tell my truth to protect all women.

“You’re a predator of the lowest order - you mistook my kindness for weakness, but my character is forged from granite and I refuse to let this define me.

“I will live my life on my own terms and I reclaim my power and my dignity.”

Jones’ defence barrister conceded that it was “difficult to mitigate for someone who maintains their innocence” but pleaded with the court to allow his client to retain his liberty for the sake of his family.

He pointed out that Jones was a football coach “entrusted by parents with the safety and education of their children” and that his life had been turned upside down by the case.

Judge Neil Millard told Jones: “I can’t ignore what you did at trial: you attempted to tell the jury this wasn’t the first time [the victim] had made a false complaint.

“It was inappropriate, inadmissible and a desperate attempt to smear her because you had no answer to her evidence.

“But she’s not powerless now - it takes strength and courage to see [the trial process] through over many months and years.

“Her strength in doing that sends a powerful message to victims of predators like you - that, if they stand up, they can get justice.”

He sentenced Jones to two years imprisonment, half of which will be served in custody and the remainder on licence in the community.

Jones swallowed hard and shook his head as Judge Millard passed sentence, before being led down to the cells.

He was reminded that he was now disbarred from working with children and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Afterwards the investigating officer, Det Con Daniel Pullen, said: “I want to commend the incredible bravery of the victim in coming forward to report this crime and for remaining engaged with the police throughout what has been a long and emotionally challenging process.

“Her strength in the face of such trauma is admirable.

“The actions of Jones were calculated and predatory.

“He knowingly committed this offence while the victim was asleep and unable to consent, demonstrating a deliberate and deceitful intent.

“We are committed to supporting victims every step of the way and doing everything we can to secure justice.

“This case highlights our determination to hold offenders accountable and to protect women and girls from harm.

“By removing perpetrators from our communities, we help prevent further offences and reinforce our commitment to public safety.”