A man who subjected a child to years of rape and abuse in the Ammanford area has been jailed for 21 years, as the survivor of his abuse urged others to come forward.
Jordan Richards, 35, of Kidderminster, admitted 36 sexual offences against the same child, committed between 2012 and 2016, and was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 21 August.
Richards had originally denied the charges. He changed his plea on the second day of his trial, after the court had begun hearing evidence of the abuse, and admitted every offence.
The offences included 31 counts of rape and three of assault by penetration, committed when the girl was aged between 15 and 17, along with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Richards also produced more than 600 indecent images of the survivor.
The judge described his offending as “cruel and isolating”, and said the images underlined the pleasure Richards took in what he called his “lustful and filthy attitude” towards the survivor.
Recognising the “profound and lasting effect” of the abuse on the survivor and their family, the judge passed an extended sentence of 25 years, made up of 21 years in prison and a further four on extended licence.
Richards was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order, and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
DS Carl Pocock, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight the bravery of the survivor of this abuse. Richards subjected them to abhorrent sexual abuse through fear and control. It takes immense courage to overcome that and come forward to give evidence.”
He said the survivor’s resilience through the investigation meant Richards “will spend a significant amount of time in prison”, and thanked the investigating officer and the force’s digital forensic specialists, whose work in securing evidence he said led to the guilty plea.
“I hope this conviction encourages other survivors, who have yet to come forward, that justice can be served despite the time that may have passed,” he added.
The survivor welcomed the sentence, thanking the officers on the case and support workers at New Pathways. “This case hasn’t been easy at all but I would encourage people that are yet to come forward to report it as you will be listened to and supported,” they said.
“We are not victims, we are survivors.”
Anyone affected by sexual abuse can contact New Pathways, which offers specialist support across Wales, at newpathways.org.uk. Reports can be made to Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, and anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Children and young people can contact Childline free on 0800 1111.
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