A man described as "cruel and abhorrent" has been jailed for 21 years after admitting 35 sex attacks, including rape, on a teenage girl. Jordan Richards, 35, of Kidderminster in Worcestershire, West Midlands, also admitted producing more than 600 indecent images of the same child.
Swansea Crown Court heard the offences occurred near Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, between 2012 and 2016. Richards admitted charges including 31 counts of rape, when the child was aged 15 to 17, three counts of assault by penetration of a female aged 15 or 16, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child aged 13 to 15.
Plea changed on second day of trial
Richards originally denied the charges but changed his plea on all counts on the second day of his trial. Sentencing him to 21 years in prison, plus an extension period of four years, Judge Huw Rees described him as "cruel and isolating".
The judge said Richards took pleasure in taking the images that demonstrated his "lustful and filthy attitude" towards the girl.
Survivor's courage praised
Dyfed-Powys Police said the survivor welcomed the sentencing and thanked the force for the "time, dedication and support" they showed during the trial. In a statement issued on her behalf, she said the case had not "been easy at all" but she wanted to encourage people to come forward.
"We are not victims, we are survivors," she said. Det Sgt Carl Pocock highlighted the bravery of the survivor in coming forward, saying it took "immense courage" to do so after being subjected to "abhorrent sexual abuse" by Richards.
"I truly hope that this result gives them a sense of justice and peace and enables them to move forward with their life," he added. Det Sgt Pocock also said he hoped the conviction would encourage other survivors who have yet to come forward that "justice can be served despite the time that may have passed".
