Jake Richards pleading guilty to raping a 12-year-old (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
A teenager has been sentenced after pleading guilty to raping a 12-year-old girl in a secluded tunnel. Police said the victim “pleaded” with Jake Richards to stop the attack.
The 19-year-old, of Garnswllt in the north of the Swansea valleys, had been speaking to the girl five years younger than him via Snapchat before meeting in person. While in the tunnel, Richards instigated sex and continued after the victim had told him ‘no’ several times, police said. The victim told officers she thought they were going there to talk.
Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock, of Dyfed-Powys Police, praised the victim for her “bravery”.
He said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim, who was just 12 years old when this offence happened, for her courage in coming forward to report this offence, and for her cooperation during the subsequent investigation.
“Rape, or any form of sexual abuse, is not easy to talk about, and especially at such a young age this must have been incredibly daunting for her.
“Despite facing someone five years older than her, she took the correct steps in saying no when she was not comfortable with the situation, pleading with Richards to stop. He, however, continued regardless to satisfy his own needs.
“She continued to show her bravery when she spoke out about the offence, first with a friend and subsequently by reporting it to police to ensure action could be taken.
“Our specialist staff explored the victim’s account thoroughly, and were able to help prove the case through DNA and digital forensic evidence. The strength of this evidence undoubtedly resulted in this early guilty plea, and spared the victim the additional trauma of the case going to trial.”
The victim reported the attack to police in August 2024.
Richards, who was 17 years old at the time of the offence, was charged with rape following what police described as a “lengthy investigation”.
He admitted the offence when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court and on Wednesday, was sentenced to three years and six months in a young offender’s institution.
Detective Sergeant Pocock added: “I feel it is important to highlight that the victim of this case could not provide consent due to her age, and that this case highlights the vital importance of having conversations about staying safe online, the law and consent with young people. This includes how to give consent, how not to assume consent, and what to do if someone continues with sexual activity despite a lack of consent.
“I also hope this case demonstrates that our specialist officers will listen to, support and seek justice for victims of all ages who may be subject to sexual abuse.”
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