Chelsea Jones, a 25-year-old woman from Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, has bravely spoken out about the ongoing trauma she faces after spotting her rapist working as a binman for the local council outside her house. The man, Aiden Edwards, raped Chelsea when she was just 12 years old.
Chelsea had believed Edwards was legally prohibited from coming near her home. However, she later learned that this restriction was only enforced for two months following his release from prison. Edwards was 14 at the time of the assault and was sentenced to three years in a youth detention facility after admitting to two counts of rape in February 2016. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.
Despite his serious conviction, Chelsea was not informed of his release until three days later, leaving her feeling vulnerable and unprotected. Chelsea, who has waived her right to anonymity as a victim of a sex crime, expressed her frustration with the lack of safeguards. After she filed a complaint, Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirmed Edwards had been dismissed from his job.
READ MORE: Berkswell Racehorse Stables Transformed into Offices After Tragic Losses
READ MORE: Midland Family’s Christmas Lights Draw Thousands, Switched On by Torvill and Dean
Chelsea revealed the impact the experience has had on her: “I’m 25, and it’s been 12 years since it happened, yet it still tortures me. He’s no longer restricted and can walk past my house whenever he wants. Unless something happens, the police say they can’t intervene.”
She recounted seeing Edwards in August and confronting him directly while he was working with colleagues. Chelsea also contacted Staffordshire Police, who informed her that they couldn’t act further as Edwards had completed his sentence.
Reflecting on the assault, Chelsea explained, “I was friends with many boys and girls and met him through a friend. We spent time together every night, and he said he wanted me to be his girlfriend. I thought we were just friends. One Sunday night, when I was supposed to be home by 8 pm, he lured me into a field and attacked me. I thought I was going to die.”
Chelsea described her feelings about the legal process: “He initially entered a not guilty plea before suddenly changing to guilty. Throughout it all, I never felt like a victim—and I think victims like me deserve more protection.”
The council acknowledged the situation, explaining that Edwards obtained the job through an external agency and failed to disclose his conviction, which is mandatory. After investigating a formal complaint filed by Chelsea, the council terminated his employment.
A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said, “We take complaints of this nature extremely seriously. We thank the resident for her bravery in speaking out.” Yet Chelsea’s experience underscores the need for stronger measures to protect survivors from further trauma.