Spooky Isles interviews Jonathon Scott from Gwent Paranormal Group in Wales about his spooky adventures as a paranormal investigator
What was your first Paranormal encounter?
Strange things happening after my eldest sister died when I was 11 years old.
Do you believe in ghosts, and if so, what is a ghost?
Yes, I have always believed in ghosts. I believe ghosts are disembodied energy that resists letting go of the physical form it had in its previous life.
What evidence have you personally uncovered that makes you consider ghosts are real?
Many experiences I have had make me believe they do exist. My grandparents and I have been talking to people that no-one else can see or hear and I have had flashes of images on the odd occasion that have no bearing to what I was doing or where I was at that specific time.
Are you skeptical of the claims others make of their findings?
Always. People do lie and exaggerate whether they are aware of it or not. Also, the mind can play tricks on you when presented with information it cannot fully comprehend so it ‘fills in the blanks’ for you.
How do prepare for a ghost hunt?
Only really checking our equipment is working, batteries are fully charged, take suitable supply of refreshments and having a ‘power nap’ before going (to keep me alert). A box of Pro Plus and energy drinks are also essential for me.
What tips would you give for someone going on a paranormal investigation for the first time?
Don’t expect too much. No going anywhere alone. Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. Remember there is nothing to fear except fear itself and if you see or feel anything, tell someone. Also, don’t be afraid to make suggestions.
What is your favourite piece of paranormal investigation equipment?
I don’t have one to be honest.
Are you psychic? Do you consider being psychic a help or a hindrance for paranormal investigations?
I do consider myself to have some psychic abilities which I am trying to develop. That puts me squarely in the box of believing psychic abilities do help. I have been able to sense things – almost see things that others can’t and our equipment doesn’t pick up on.
What makes a great haunted location?
Lots of activity that science has no reasonable or logical explanation for.
If you could investigate any haunted location, where would that be?
Pendle Hill, where countless witch trials and executions were held
What scares you about Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
Not much really. Being physically attacked by something I cannot defend against or members of my team being possessed, although I know those scenarios are pretty much non existent.
In your opinion, what is the most haunted area in the UK or Ireland?
I have no idea.
Read any good paranormal books or watched any good paranormal TV shows/movies recently?
Haunted Highway with Jack Osbourne was good but stopped because he got MS. Fact or Faked was brilliant and a recent episode of Ghost Adventures saw what looked like a humanoid figure operating on someone through Xbox Connect. The person in the bed said they could actually feel things happening to them.
Tell us about your favourite moment from a paranormal investigation.
There are two I have. One was a private residence where we heard footsteps running down the upstairs hallway approaching the stairs. We all rushed to the stairs to see them shaking as if something was running down them, then my wife cried out and nearly collapsed. When we could get some sense out of her she said whatever it was ran through her on its way to escape.
The other was an investigation at a Working Mans Club. We had another team with us and most of us had gone outside for a cigarette break. While we were there, we all heard loud bangs that sounded like someone was trying to destroy a wall inside the building. Despite us sprinting to the location we still found nothing.
