Oxhey man Nathan Jones on trial accused of raping child

Nathan Jones, of Hillside Crescent in Oxhey, is charged with sexually assaulting a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and four counts of raping a child. 

Opening the case at St Albans Crown Court today (April 27), prosecutor Simon Shannon said the abuse took place over a decade ago when Jones was in his late teens. 

The alleged victim, who was under ten years old at the time, contacted police several years ago and took part in a video recorded interview. 

Nathan Jones is on trial at St Albans Crown Court accused of the rape and sexual abuse of a child (Image: Newsquest)

“The purpose of the interview was to obtain an evidential account of the abuse they suffered at the hands of the defendant, Nathan Jones, a decade earlier,” Mr Shannon said.   

The jury was told the child's family believed Jones to be a “nice boy, albeit childish for his age on account of his perceived learning difficulties”, so had allowed them to spend time together.

Mr Shannon said the abuse began one day when the pair were alone. 

“They had been playing a game when the defendant asked [the child] whether they could play another game,” Mr Shannon said. 

Jones is alleged to have told the child “it will upset me if you don’t” and that he would be “really mad”. 

Jones then raped the child, Mr Shannon alleged, something he went on to do on three further occasions often using force. 

Jones was arrested and interviewed under caution at Hatfield Police Station in October 2023. 

In a prepared statement he said: “I wish to exercise my right to silence and provide the following account. I deny the allegations in full.  

“I cannot recall any such incident take place as alleged according to my recollection. I do not wish to speak about anything else at this stage.” 

He went on to answer “no comment” to further questions. 

Mr Shannon told the jury: “And so Nathan Jones’ is a bare denial of these allegations, he said there was no sexual activity which took place, so the task for you in the trial is whether [the alleged victim] is telling the truth or not.” 

Jones, now aged 30, denies all the offences. The trial continues.