PORT TALBOT MAN SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD RAPE CAMPAIGN
A man has been sentenced after orchestrating a campaign of sexual abuse spanning over three decades by raping two young girls more than 110 times.Ronald Richards, aged 66, was only brought to justice after one of his victims broke down in tears several years ago.
The detailed court proceedings revealed that Richards' first victim was under 13 when raped on “at least 60 occasions,” with additional assaults when she was under 16.
The second victim was also under 13 and was raped approximately 50 times over a period of more than 20 years.
Both victims appeared in court to testify about the horrific abuse they suffered.
The prosecution described Richards as someone who "systematically abused two young children in an unspeakable way," causing lifelong scars.
The court heard from one victim, who said, "I had completely given up hope and was just trying to cope as best as I could.
I moved away from my hometown in an attempt to feel safe.
I did not talk to anybody about my struggles and the pain I was going through.
I had to pretend that everything was OK and that I was OK.
I have never really been able to be myself." She also expressed that she still suffers flashbacks and considered taking her own life as a child due to the trauma.
The second victim described feeling confused and blocked out much of the experience, stating, "I felt like I had to do whatever he said.
I did my best to block it out but it kept happening.
I did not know how to make it stop." The defense highlighted Richards' health issues, including diabetes and failing eyesight, which could impact his sentence, but acknowledged the severity of his crimes.
Richards was convicted of 14 charges, including multiple counts of rape of a girl under 13, sexual assault, and indecency offenses.
Judge Geraint Walters described his actions as systematic abuse that left lifelong scars and sentenced him to 25 years in prison—24 years for the determinate sentence plus a one-year extension for being an offender of particular concern.
He must serve two-thirds of his sentence before parole eligibility, and he will be on the sex offenders' register for life with lifelong restraining orders preventing contact with his victims.
The police praised the victims for their bravery and emphasised the significance of their perseverance in seeking justice.
