A former Air Cadet instructor and school worker from Anglesey has been handed a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of a range of sexual offences committed against young boys under his care. Jonathan Charles Evans, aged 32 and residing on Breeze Hill in Malltraeth, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court to be sentenced following his conviction for sexually abusing two boys and engaging in inappropriate online conduct.
During the proceedings, Evans’s actions were described as a grave betrayal of trust by the presiding judge. The court heard evidence that Evans had “cupped his hands” over one boy’s genitals—a contact initially dismissed by the victim as playful ‘banter’ but later recognised as abuse. In addition to this physical abuse, Evans also engaged in sexually explicit communication with another boy, during which he sent indecent images of himself via Snapchat and persistently requested naked photographs in return.
The impact of Evans’s behaviour on his victims was brought sharply into focus through a statement given to the court. One of the young men described how the abuse had caused him lasting “emotional stress,” affecting every aspect of his life, including his mental health, social relationships, and work opportunities. This testimony underscored the far-reaching consequences that such breaches of trust can have on vulnerable young people.
Defending Evans, Anna Price acknowledged the serious abuse of trust and cited what she referred to as a “degree of immaturity” on her client’s part. She emphasised that this was Evans’s first time before the courts and noted he had no previous experience with the criminal justice system. Price highlighted the toll the delayed legal process took on her client; the offences were reported to police in 2020, but Evans was not charged until 2024, during which time he remained suspended from work and was unable to secure other employment.
The case has also had a profound impact on Evans’s family, who, Price revealed, remained supportive and are prepared to stand by him as he serves his term of imprisonment. She described the experience as “incredibly upsetting” for his loved ones and suggested they would play a crucial role in his rehabilitation following his release.
The court convicted Evans on a total of nine charges: three counts of sexual assault on a male, two counts each of causing or inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity and sexual activity with a boy, and two counts of abusing a position of trust. The offences were said to have taken place over several years and across multiple locations, involving a clear pattern of grooming and manipulated relationships with the young victims.
Evans will serve four years in prison, with other sentences to run concurrently. The sentencing judge emphasised the gravity and premeditated nature of his conduct, describing him as a manipulative predator who cynically exploited his authority to exploit children.
Following the sentencing, North Wales Police issued a statement condemning Evans’s actions. Detective Constable Richard Dwyfor Clark said: “Evans’s offences were severe and have deeply affected a group of young people and their families. I would like to commend their courage and dignity throughout this process, as well as the legal teams, courts, Air Cadets, and school staff who supported the investigation.”
Clark added a call to action for anyone who suspects sexual abuse or is a survivor themselves to come forward, assuring that reports will be treated with seriousness and sensitivity.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance within institutions that work with young people, highlighting the responsibility of communities and authorities to ensure children’s safety and support those who come forward to report abuse.