Crime

Paedophile jailed for raping two young girls over two decades

Published

8 months ago

March 13, 2025

A MAN who orchestrated a campaign of rape spanning more than 20 years, abusing two young girls over 110 times, has been jailed. Ronald Richards, 66, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 11) after his crimes were revealed when one of his victims broke down in tears years later.

The court heard harrowing details of the abuse, with prosecutor Ian Wright describing how Richards, raped his first victim at least 60 times when she was under 13 and continued the abuse when she was under 16. His second victim was raped on at least 50 occasions before she reached 13. Both victims stood in court to describe the lasting impact of their ordeals.

One victim told the court: “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel anxious or have a feeling of dread in my stomach. I moved away from my home town in an attempt to feel safe. I had to pretend everything was OK, but I have never really been able to be myself.”

She recalled suffering from flashbacks and suicidal thoughts, adding: “He stole my childhood and my innocence.”

***Predator Ronald Richards, 66, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court***

The second victim said: “I don’t actually know how to feel. I have blocked out so much. I felt like I had to do whatever he said. The most painful thing for me is looking at old photos of myself from before this happened.”

Defence barrister Ieuan Rees told the court that Richards is in poor health, suffering from diabetes and deteriorating eyesight, and acknowledged that his sentence would likely see him remain in prison for the rest of his life.

Richards was convicted of 14 offences, including multiple counts of rape of a child under 13, rape of a child under 16, sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, and indecent assault.

Sentencing Richards to 25 years in prison—24 years of a determinate sentence plus a one-year extended term—Judge Geraint Walters told him: “You systematically abused two young children in an unspeakable way. The scars of such abuse are lifelong.”

Richards, from Port Talbot must serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole. He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and is subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and restraining orders preventing him from contacting his victims.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Joanne Williams of South Wales Police praised the victims’ bravery, telling The Pembrokeshire Herald: “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.

“The level and frequency of his offending was staggering. It is right that he should go to prison for a significant amount of time.”

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

6 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Boat removed from Cardigan scene as police probe young woman’s death

Published

9 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A BOAT covered in black plastic sheeting has been removed from the Netpool area of Cardigan as part of a major police investigation into the death of a young woman.

The vessel was taken away at around 11:30pm on Saturday (Nov 15) under police escort and is understood to form a key part of the ongoing forensic inquiry. Officers had cordoned off the slipway near the River Teifi throughout the day, with multiple police vehicles and scenes-of-crime teams attending.

Emergency services were first called to the location around lunchtime on Saturday (Nov 15) following a 999 call, and a large police response was reported soon afterwards.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. His condition has not been confirmed, and Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet said whether any arrests have been made.

The woman, believed to be in her early twenties, has not yet been formally identified.

Police are expected to remain in the area while specialist officers continue their investigation.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for an official update.

Crime

Police investigate death of young woman in Cardigan

Published

21 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan this afternoon (Nov 15).

Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.

The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement