TEENAGE BOY JAILED FOR RAPING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN TUNNEL
A teenage boy has been sentenced after raping a 12-year-old girl in a secluded tunnel.Jake Richards, 19, of Garnswllt in the north of the Swansea valleys, was 17 years old when he met with the girl online.
Richards and his victim had been chatting via Snapchat when they decided to meet in person.
The girl reported to officers that when meeting Richards they walked to a secluded tunnel where she thought they were going to talk, but her attacker had other ideas.
While in the tunnel Richards raped the girl after she had told him to stop several times.
In August 2024 the 12-year-old girl reported the assault to police after confiding in a friend about the attack.
The investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police officers into the rape included forensic and digital enquires.
The now 19-year-old Richards was arrested and charged with rape, later admitting to the offence at Swansea Crown Court.
For the rape of the 12-year-old girl in 2024 Richards was sentenced to three years and six months in a young offenders institution on Wednesday, January 21.
The courage of the 12-year-old victim has been commended by detective sergeant Carl Pocock of Dyfed-Powys Police who told the public the case highlighted the potential dangers for young people online.
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 Richard 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.
Detective sergeant Pocock added: "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.
"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."
