Gwynedd child sex abuse survivor encourages others to speak out

The survivor, who is entitled to anonymity, was abused by Timothy Jones, whose actions were described in court last week as “terrifying”.

Jones, 49, of Lon Y Bedw, Bangor, was jailed for 15 years at Caernarfon Crown Court on September 15, after he was found guilty after a trial of sexual assault and sexual activity with a child.

Speaking to the Chronicle post-sentencing, the survivor of his abuse said the sentence left them feeling “so relieved,” and said the support they have received has been “overwhelming”.

The survivor said: “It’s a huge, huge relief. I was so thankful that I had the evidence I did for him to get the length of the sentence he got. Now, it’s just about taking each day as it comes.

“Every day is different. The amount of people, including other victims, who have reached out to me, has been absolutely overwhelming. It makes me feel like I’ve done some good.”

The survivor first told a friend about Jones’ abuse shortly after it happened, seeking reassurance that his behaviour was “justified”.

Despite being urged to tell police then, the survivor felt “no-one would be believe me”.

Police were later made aware of Jones’ abuse after the survivor confronted him via Facebook Messenger.

When officers came to speak to the survivor, they disclosed all that he had done to them.

“I told them everything,” the survivor said.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the easiest. It felt so real; everything happening all at once was scary after I’d kept quiet, but I also felt empowered.

“It just felt so relieving to finally get it out there.”

Jones watched the sentencing hearing with his arms folded from custody via videolink, during which the survivor read out a statement, detailing the impact of his abuse on them.

In the statement, the survivor spoke of how they have contemplated suicide on multiple occasions and have self-harmed, while they experience flashbacks “every single day”.

The judge, Timothy Petts, commended the survivor for speaking in court about the effect of Jones’ “dreadful” offences on them.

Judge Petts’ comments “meant a lot” to the survivor, and left them with “goosebumps”.

They said: “I needed to see it through to the very end. I needed to see and hear it for myself. I wanted it to be as raw and as real as possible.

“He just sat there with his arms crossed. I didn’t sense any expression.

“I thought it was a very good sentence. His actions have affected me for more years than he’s going to be in prison for, but it was still a better sentence than I expected.”

Jones will not be freed from prison until he has served at least 10 years of his 15-year sentence, and then only if the Parole Board deems his release safe.

Once released, Jones will serve the remainder of his 15-year sentence on licence, as well as an additional year on licence.

Judge Petts also imposed a sexual harm prevention order, to last for 25 years, telling Jones he had caused the survivor “very serious psychological harm”.

The survivor added: “I’ve tried not to let it affect who I am as a person. I had a traumatic childhood, but I like to believe I’m a good person.

“Sometimes I’m not as patient as I wish I was, but aside from that, I always try to be kind to others, and be the best person I can be.

“I’ve done my best to not let his actions impact who I am. I have my circle of supportive people who I have an ironclad bond with. I really do have good people in my life.”

To other survivors of abuse who may fear the consequences of speaking out, they said: “I would tell them to only talk to the people they trust the most.

“If they need help, go to therapy, because therapy doesn’t just help you mentally, it leaves a paper trail.

“Take the leap. It’s going to be really, really hard and it will take a long time, but it will be so worth it in the end.”