A British pedophile suspect was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting underage girls in Cambodia. The incidence happened after the man was seen walking holding an 11-year-old girl’s hand in Phnom Penh.
On several occasions, Michael Jones who was born in Geneva, though many think he is from South Wales, is believed to have taken at least 1 underage girl to a rented room in town. Reports say that he was also seen kissing and hugging her in public.
The 55-year-old man was again seen with two half-dressed little girls, one aged 8 and the other one 9. At the same time,Jones also had a small kid nestled on his lap. The photos led to his arrest on suspicion of sexually assaulting innocent girls in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. One girl aged 11 has made allegation to the law enforcers that she was paid $6 for sex after a man took her to a rented room three times.
On April 9, 2013, Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE)investigator started the investigation into Jones while contacting 2 Cambodian girls who are believed to be under-age, said APLE spokesman. The girls were thought to be twelve and thirteen. Shortly after, Jones went with the same 2 under-aged girls to the shopping centre where investigators from APLE witnessed him purchasing some unidentified items for the girls. He also gave them money to play games. He took the girls back to their houses after entertaining them.
The British pedophile left Cambodia on April 12, 2013 to an unknown destination. He came back to Cambodia in June this year, upon which the investigation was reactivated. APLE spokesman said that APLE found out that Michael Jones was in contact with an 11-year-old, whom he took into a rented room at the Lake Side area. APLE also discovered that even though Jones stayed in a hotel at Phnom Pen, he kept going back to the rented room with the same eleven-year-old girl.
The charity says Michael Jones bought her food, took her shopping and also went to watch movies with her. Jones is alleged to have been seen kissing and hugging the under-aged girl, and was seen targeting 3 others.
Jones was also seen promising to settle the rent for one family. He is also alleged to abuse teenagers under a bridge.
According to APLE spokesman, police from Phnom Penh Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Unit arrested Jones on June 24. Six girls were also taken to the police for interrogation, of which 4 said they had been abused by Jones.
APLE spokesman said that on June 27, Jones was charged by Phnom Penh’s court prosecutor, and was to Prey Sar prison where he is awaiting court proceedings and trial. Michael Jones was charged with paying for child prostitution and carrying out indecent acts. If found guilty, Jones will faces eight years in jail.
After the rescue, one girl was referred to a safe shelter whereas the other 3 remained with their families on the streets, said APLE spokesman. United Kingdom police don’t have any records of Michael Jones offending in Britain. A Foreign Office spokesperson said they were aware of Jones arrest and shall provide consular assistance.
