Young offender handed lengthy sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court
A 21-year-old man from Pwllheli has been jailed after admitting a series of grave sexual offences, including rape and sexual assault, committed while his victim slept. Joel Hookings, of Lon Cae Glas, was sentenced to eight years and four months’ imprisonment at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday, 13 July. The court also ordered that he register as a sex offender indefinitely and imposed a lifetime restraining order to protect the survivor.
Prosecutors told the court that Hookings had recorded videos of the assault and concealed them in a hidden folder on Snapchat. He had previously entered guilty pleas to rape and sexual assault, as well as to making indecent images of children. Those images included 11 of category A – the most serious classification – along with one category B and three category C images.
Police commend survivor’s resilience
Detective Inspector Christopher Williams, of North Wales Police, said: “I am pleased that today’s sentence reflects the seriousness and depravity of the offences Hookings committed. The strength and bravery of the victim for having the courage to assist with the investigation, and for her resilience throughout, is commendable. We will leave no stone unturned when investigating those who seek to do harm to women and girls. Any victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to come forward with the confidence that they will be heard and supported.”
North Wales Police highlighted the case as an example of the force’s continued focus on tackling violence against women and girls. Officers said the sentence acknowledged the severity of the offending and publicly commended the survivor’s courage in supporting the investigation through to conclusion.
Safeguarding measures and court orders
The judge imposed a suite of protective measures designed to reduce future risk and provide enduring safeguards for the victim. In addition to the custodial term, Hookings:
- Must register as a sex offender for life, requiring ongoing notification and monitoring.
- Is subject to a lifetime restraining order preventing contact with the survivor.
- Has convictions for creating indecent images of children formally recorded and considered in the sentence.
These orders run alongside the prison term and are typical of sentencing in cases where courts identify both serious harm and continuing risk.
Indecent images: categories recorded by the court
As part of the offending, Hookings admitted making indecent images of children. The court was told the images were distributed across the standard legal categories used by police and prosecutors:
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| A (most serious) | 11 |
| B | 1 |
| C | 3 |
The presence of category A images is routinely treated by the courts as an aggravating factor when determining sentence.
Community impact and the digital dimension
The case underscores the growing role of digital platforms and encrypted or concealed storage features in sexual offending. Investigators revealed that Hookings had hidden Snapchat videos of the attack within a private folder, a pattern which police say complicates the detection of offences and the preservation of evidence. Despite those challenges, officers were able to secure material which supported the prosecution and contributed to the conviction.
For communities in Gwynedd, cases of this nature carry a lasting impact that extends beyond the immediate parties. They can heighten concerns about personal safety and reinforce the need for vigilance around online behaviours, the handling of sensitive content, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. While the courts have now concluded the criminal case against Hookings, the safeguarding measures aim to deliver longer-term protection and reassurance for the victim and the wider public.
Police message: support is available
In their statement following the sentencing, North Wales Police reiterated a consistent message: survivors of sexual offences should feel confident to report. Officers stressed that complainants will be listened to and supported throughout the legal process. The force credited the survivor’s fortitude in this case as central to securing justice and encouraged anyone affected by similar crimes to seek help at the earliest opportunity.
The sentence imposed at Caernarfon Crown Court brings a measure of closure to a disturbing case, while underlining the emphasis law enforcement in North Wales places on protecting women and girls from harm. The combination of a lengthy prison term, indefinite registration and a lifetime restraining order signals the seriousness with which the courts regard offences of this kind.
