Neath Port Talbot man jailed for child sex offences

 

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed for child sex offences.

66-year-old Ronald Keith Richards (known as Keith), from Port Talbot town centre, carried out attacks against two victims.

One of Richards’ victims disclosed to family members that they had been repeatedly raped by Richards since the age of seven. This had continued for a period of four years.

The other victim was subjected to rape and sexual assault by Richards between the ages of eight and thirteen, which was over 20 years ago.

In January, Richards was found guilty on all 14 counts on the indictment, which included Rape of a child under 13, Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault and Gross Indecency.

He has today been sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment, which is inclusive of an extended sentence, and made subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and indefinite Restraining Order for both victims. He will be on the sex offender register for life.

Detective Constable Joanne Williams said:

“We commend the victims for their bravery in coming forward about Ronald Richards’ actions.

“To have been subjected to this level of abuse from such a young age is sickening. The victims will have to carry these memories for the rest of their lives.

“Ronald Richards is a very dangerous man who preyed upon defenceless children of a very young age. The level and frequency of his offending was staggering. It is right that he should go to prison for a significant amount of time.”