A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been jailed for 22 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a child over a number of years.

Damien Jones, 40, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, July 6, after being convicted following a trial earlier this year.

Jones was found guilty by a jury on May 6 of 16 sexual offences against one victim, who was a child at the time.

The offences took place between 2013 and 2021.

He was convicted of:

• Four counts of rape of a girl under 13
• Two counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13
• Three counts of sexual assault by penetration of a girl under 13
• Four counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration
• Three counts of inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity with penetration

In addition to the 22-year prison sentence, Jones was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order in respect of the victim.

Victim praised for “incredible courage”

Detective Constable Leanne Morris, of South Powys CID, praised the bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial.

DC Morris said: “I would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case.

“They have shown incredible courage to provide their account to us, as well as appearing in court to give evidence during this trial.

“We are incredibly grateful for their strength and fortitude in ensuring that Jones has been brought before the courts and ultimately sentenced.”

She added: “Jones is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual, and today’s sentence reflects the nature of his depraved crimes.

“Thankfully, he is now no longer a danger to the public.

“The investigation team in this case have shown excellent professionalism and hard work in obtaining this result.”

Dyfed-Powys Police said anyone affected by rape or sexual offences can access support and advice through the force website, including information on how to report offences.

Victims of sexual offences are granted automatic lifetime anonymity under the law.

BARCLAYS has been urged to reopen bank branches in west Wales after reports that the banking giant is preparing to rebuild its high street presence.

Paul Davies MS, Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro, has written to Vim Maru, Chief Executive of Barclays UK, calling on the bank to restore full branch services in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Mr Davies said Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth should be treated as priority locations, with Tenby and Cardigan also considered as part of any future review.

The call comes after reports that Barclays is looking again at its high street network, including opening new branches, expanding some existing sites and reviving the traditional role of local bank manager.

Mr Davies said west Wales should not be overlooked if Barclays is serious about returning to communities.

Barclays closed its Haverfordwest branch in May 2024, while branches in Aberystwyth and Cardigan also shut that year. The closures left many customers in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion without access to a full Barclays branch.

Mr Davies said the loss of face-to-face banking had hit residents, small businesses and community organisations across two largely rural counties.

He said: “It’s extremely disappointing that Barclays Bank currently has no branches in either Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion. This represents a significant reduction in service provision for both personal and business customers across the two counties.

“However, I welcome the bank’s recent announcement and have written to the Chief Executive to encourage Barclays to take this opportunity to restore banking services in our area by reopening branches in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

“Access to face-to-face banking services remains vital for many residents, businesses and community organisations, and I hope the bank will give serious consideration to reopening the high street branches in west Wales.”

The withdrawal of bank branches has become a growing concern in towns across Wales, particularly for older residents, people without reliable internet access, rural customers who depend on public transport, and businesses that need to deposit cash.

While some banking services are available through the Post Office, Barclays Local sites and banking hubs, campaigners have argued that these do not always provide the same service as a fully staffed branch.

Mr Davies said Barclays now had an opportunity to show that rural communities would not be left behind.

He is asking the bank to place Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth at the front of the queue if it proceeds with plans to expand its branch network.

The Herald has contacted Barclays for comment.

THE FAMILY of an 18-year-old man who died after entering the River Wye during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition have paid tribute to a “loving” young man who will be “dearly missed”.

Umar Dumbuya, from London, died in Glasbury, Powys, on Tuesday, June 30.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued a photograph of Umar and a tribute from his family following the tragedy.

His family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and grandson. There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family.

“Umar was a loving boy and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

“Umar loved spending time playing basketball, attending the gym, and being with friends and family.

“We will always remember Umar for his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. His death has left a devastating hole in our family, and we now ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”