A man from Salford who groomed and raped or sexually assaulted 11 children over two decades has been sentenced to life in prison.
Carl Jones (aged 57) of Little Hulton has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 and a half years.
Jones was sentenced today (January 31 2025) at Minshull Street Crown Court for 47 offences.
His offences included multiple counts of rape of a child under the age of 13, oral rape of a child under the age of 13.
As well as sexual assault of a child under and over the age of 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and indecent assault.
It was known that Jones plied his victims with alcohol, money and gifts, allowing him to exploit them.
Jones was charged and remanded into custody on 16 March 2024, after a brave teenager and man separately came forward.
They reported that Jones had raped or abused them on multiple occasions, when they were children, years apart from each other.
It was through these testimonies detectives began to piece together Jones’s predatory pattern of behaviour.
Jones would prey on young boys, exploit their vulnerabilities, feed them alcohol, and spoil them with money, clothes, and bikes, as well as trips away in an attempt to normalise his depravity.
After being put in custody from March 2024, the investigation continued and widened as specialist officers met with several more victims and heard their shocking accounts of abuse.
Victims were as young as five years old, and many suffered abuse at the hands of Jones for years; and in one case more than a decade – acting from 2002 to 2023.
Jones pleaded guilty to all charges on 9 September 2024, being placed on the sex offender’s registry indefinitely – and was sentenced today (31 January 2025).
Following the sentencing, DS Katie Halstead of Salford’s Child Protection Investigation Unit said: “Jones is no short of a depraved man who preyed on children, with complete disregard for the trauma his abhorrent actions caused.
“The victims and survivors in this case had their childhoods tainted in the most awful way, and at a very young age, they experienced what no one should ever have to.”
DS Halstead continued: “I want to commend their bravery for coming forward to speak with us about their abuse and remaining strong throughout this incredibly difficult process.
“They played a vital role in reaching today’s outcome; ensuring justice is reached and Jones resides in prison, far away from causing harm to the community.”
She added: “We are here to always listen to victims and give them a voice when they are ready. These boys and men will continue to be supported through our partner agency’s specialist support services as long as they need.
“Child protection is GMP’s top priority, and our dedicated teams are working relentlessly to safeguard victims and hold anyone causing harm accountable.”
The 57-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 and a half years.
As Jo Palmiero, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Unit said: “Carl Jones groomed and sexually abused young boys for his own gratification.
“He plied them with alcohol, money and gifts and exploited the boys in the worst way, with no thought for the lifelong impact his abuse would have on them.”
Jo Palmiero continued: “The impact of sexual abuse on survivors can be deeply profound and I would like to thank the victims for supporting the prosecution and bringing Jones to justice.”
“The Crown Prosecution Service is working hard to improve our services to victims – including recruiting dedicated victim liaison officers in every part of the country – to make the criminal justice process easier to navigate.
“I hope this case will give other survivors of sexual abuse the confidence to come forward. It is never too late to seek justice,” Palmiero added.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Recent Comments