63-year-old Richard Jones Sentenced to 7.5 Years for Historic Sex Offenses Against Children

Richard Jones, also known as Richard Bloch, has been sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for historic sex offenses against children as young as 6. Jones, a former Ryde Job Centre worker, was convicted of 7 counts of indecent assault and 2 of gross indecency for crimes committed between 1991 and 2002.

The Brighton Crown Court heard that Jones carried out the sexual assaults on 4 girls aged between 6 and 11 in the Crawley, North West London, and Kent areas over an 11-year period. He befriended the girls' families, gained their trust, and systematically abused them, often for two or more years, for his own gratification.

Detective Sergeant Sian Harding of the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigation Unit stated: "Jones, who was known as Bloch until he changed his name in 1995, befriended the girls' families, worked his way into their confidence and systematically abused them, in most cases over a period of two or more years, for his own gratification. This came to light in 2015 when police were investigating an unrelated matter which is still under investigation. We will always take seriously all reports of sexual offenses, from however long ago, and try to investigate wherever possible, to seek to achieve justice for the victims if we can."

Richard Jones was sentenced on Thursday and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The authorities have condemned Jones's actions as calculated and predatory, emphasizing the devastating impact his crimes have had on the victims and their families. This case highlights the importance of reporting sexual offenses, regardless of how long ago they occurred. Victims can be assured that they will be listened to, and justice will be pursued, no matter how long ago the offenses took place.