Patricia Jones

Patricia Jones, a 58-year-old woman from Middlewich, Cheshire, has been jailed for her complicit role in enabling her partner, Alan Townley, to sexually abuse a child. The case, prosecuted at Chester Crown Court, highlighted how Jones prioritised her relationship over the child's safety, despite being fully aware of Townley's status as a convicted sex offender.

Cheshire Police detailed that Jones and Townley were in a relationship during the period of the offences. Rather than protecting the child, Jones 'facilitated access' to the victim, allowing Townley's campaign of abuse to continue unchecked. This included permitting instances of flirting, inappropriate touching, rape, and sexual assault by Townley against the child, as well as physical harm when the victim resisted.

The abuse remained hidden for years until the victim courageously came forward, leading to the arrests of both Townley and Jones. While Townley stood trial and was convicted on multiple serious charges, Jones was sentenced specifically for her facilitation of the crimes. Her actions were described as exacerbating the horror of the situation, as reported in the Manchester Evening News on 4 October 2024.

Detective Constable Stacey Thompson, the lead investigator from Cheshire Police, addressed the case's severity in her statement. 'What makes this case worse is the fact that Jones knowingly allowed Townley to have access to the victim, despite being well aware that he was a convicted sex offender. Putting her relationship above the safety and welfare of a child,' she stated. The three-year custodial sentence imposed on Jones serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for those who enable such offences.

This conviction forms part of Cheshire Police's rigorous approach to historic sexual abuse cases, ensuring that all involved parties are held accountable to support victims and prevent future harm.