In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that Owain Derfel Jones, then 34, of Vardre Avenue, Deganwy, Conwy, was jailed for the possession and distribution of “hideous” child abuse material. On Monday, 14 September 2020, Jones appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court, where he was handed a three-year custodial sentence. The court heard that Jones had a history of changing his name—previously known as Vincent Livermore and Vincent Roberts—to avoid recognition following prior convictions.
The investigation established that in April 2018, police searched Jones’ parents’ home and discovered a laptop hidden under a mattress and a mobile phone concealed in a wardrobe. Forensic analysis uncovered 516 indecent images, including 222 at Category A—the most serious classification. Some of the images, which depicted infants as young as six months being physically hurt, were original material never before seen on police databases. Jones eventually admitted during interviews that he was sexually aroused by the “disgusting” material and had engaged in sexualised chats about children online.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Jones had operated a successful weed control business in Llanrwst while leading a double life as a prolific paedophile. Caernarfon Crown Court heard that the defendant had used the names Vincent Roberts and Vincent Livermore to mask a relevant previous conviction from 2007. Judge Timothy Petts noted that the “graphic and disgusting” collection, which included moving images of children in extreme distress, illustrated the full nature of the defendant’s depravity.
The judge noted that Jones had taken advantage of a delay caused by dogs at the property to hide several devices from officers. For his actions in Deganwy, Conwy, he pleaded guilty to distributing and downloading indecent images. The prosecution, led by Sion ap Mihangel, highlighted that the discovery of original, non-database material was particularly concerning, suggesting the defendant was part of networks where new abuse material was being circulated.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Wales, Owain Derfel Jones was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Three years in prison.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are now in effect indefinitely.
- Asset Forfeiture: Destruction of all seized laptops and mobile devices.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court following guilty pleas to multiple counts.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Jones is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by North Wales Police and the prison estate. Due to his history of serial offending, the use of multiple aliases (Vincent Livermore, Vincent Roberts, and reported subsequent name changes), and the “hideous” nature of the abuse in Deganwy, Conwy, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Jones must comply with notification requirements for the rest of his life. This includes an absolute legal obligation to notify the police within three days of any change of name. Authorities state that his pattern of changing his name to achieve anonymity necessitates permanent, intensive scrutiny of his identity documents and digital footprint. Any breach of his registration conditions, including failure to declare a new alias such as Zak Thomas, will result in immediate arrest and a return to Caernarfon Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.