Tech mogul Lawrence Jones has hit a legal roadblock in his appeal to overturn a sexual assault conviction. The Court of Appeal in London has dismissed his challenge regarding a 2013 incident where he sexually assaulted a female employee. Jones argued that his trial was unfairly influenced by character evidence, specifically claims of him using a racial slur. However, the judges found no error in the original trial and stood by the conviction.
Back in 2023, Jones was found guilty at two separate trials: one for the 2013 assault and another for drugging and raping two women in the 1990s while working as a hotel bar pianist. These crimes landed him a 15-year prison sentence.
Jones, originally from Denbigh, made his fortune after launching web hosting company UKFast with his wife, Gail, in 1999. The company flourished, serving high-profile clients like the NHS and the Ministry of Defence. His success even earned him an MBE in 2015 for his contributions to the digital economy.
This recent rejection from the Court of Appeal means Jones will continue to serve his sentence, bringing some closure to a lengthy legal battle. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this developing story!