A serial child rapist has been jailed for 21 years after pleading guilty mid-trial to 36 non-recent child sex offences against the same child.
Jordan Richards, a 35-year-old from Kidderminster, originally pleaded not guilty at Swansea Crown Court. The court started to hear about the abuse, including 31 counts of rape and the production of over 600 indecent images of the survivor, that occurred in the Ammanford area between 2012 and 2016.
Richards changed his plea on the second day of the trial and admitted his guilt for every offence.
Details of the offences
Richards appeared for sentencing in Swansea Crown Court on Friday, August 21, 2026. The total offences included:
- 3x assault by penetration of a child
- 10x oral rape of a child
- 10x oral rape of a child
- 10x rape of a child
- 1x rape of a child
- 1x engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- Producing 600+ indecent images of children
Judge's comments and sentence
The judge called Richards' offending "cruel and isolating". He described the way that the indecent images taken underlined the pleasure Richards took in "his lustful and filthy attitude" towards the survivor. He recognised the "profound and lasting effect it’s had on them and their family" before passing his sentence.
Richards was given an extended custodial sentence of 25 years, consisting of 21-year imprisonment and an extension period of four years.
He will also have an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, an indefinite restraining order against the survivor of his abuse and must make notifications under the Sexual Offenders Act for life.
Police and survivor responses
Detective Sergeant 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.
"It’s thanks to their resilience through the investigation that Jordan Richards will spend a significant amount of time in prison. I truly hope that this result gives them a sense of justice and peace and enables them to move forward with their life.
“I’d also like to thank the investigating officer, DC Morgan, and all specialist staff at our Digital Forensic Unit. Their efforts in securing and presenting the key evidence in this case undoubtedly led to the eventual 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. Our specialist officers will work alongside Independent Sexual violence advisors from New Pathways to compassionately support you through the process.”
The survivor of the case welcomed the sentencing of Richards and wished to share the following:
“I would like to say that I am pleased with the outcome of today’s sentencing. The investigation has been long and has without doubt... been very heavy on myself. I want to thank Dyfed-Powys Police for all the time, dedication and support they have provided me throughout the process and importantly making me feel safe.
“I would also like to give extra thanks and show my appreciation to Detective Constable Phil Morgan who has been my case worker and has shown determination and hard work throughout, along with Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock who has also worked so hard in securing today’s result.
“I also want to say a special thank you to New Pathways who have been there every step of the way and continue to support me afterwards.
“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. We are not victims, we are survivors.”
Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence can contact New Pathways, which offers specialist support, at newpathways.org.uk.
Reports can be made to the police on 101, always 999 in an emergency, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
