Registered sex offender jailed for approaching young girls via social media

An investigation into a registered sex offender who repeatedly approached young girls online via social media has resulted in a man being put behind bars for four years and eight months.

Albert Jones, 55, of High Road in Byfleet, was found guilty of attempt to cause or incite a female under 16 to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday (30 June).

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that, using a fake profile posing as a 17-year-old, Jones would contact 13-year-old girls via social media sites encouraging them to chat in a sexual nature. After a brief engagement, he would then close the account and then re-engage with the child using a different profile username.

Jones was arrested at his home address on 7 April. Most of the offences took place between August 2021 and January this year.

Investigating Officer Estelle Sharp, who led on the investigation, said: “This was a complex case that involved both us and officers from the Metropolitan Police.

“I hope that this case demonstrates that we will catch prolific sex offenders who target children online and will do everything we can to investigate reports, support victims and pursue perpetrators.

“If you are thinking of reporting sexual abuse, please be reassured that your report will be taken incredibly seriously, and that we have specialist support in place to help you.”

All survivors of rape and sexual assault are encouraged to come forward – whether directly to us, to a support service such as Surrey’s Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre (RASASC), or to someone you trust, such as a healthcare professional.

RASASC provides a support service for survivors of recent and non-recent rape and sexual assault. More advice about the support they offer can be found on their website: https://www.rasasc.org/

To report to us, you can report on our website https://www.surrey.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/ or call us on 101. Always use 999 if someone is in immediate danger.