Ammanford teenager jailed for raping 12-year-old girl
19-year-old Jake Richards, from Garnswllt, admitted raping the girl two years ago after the pair chatted on Snapchat and then met up
Last updated 21st Jan 2026
A 19-year-old from Garnswllt has been sentenced to three years and six months in a young offender's institution after pleading guilty to raping a 12-year-old girl.
Jake Richards admitted to the offence, which took place in 2024 when he was 17 years old, after initially chatting with the victim on Snapchat and later meeting her in person.
The girl reported the attack to police in August 2024 after speaking to a friend about what had happened.
She told officers that Richards had led her to a secluded tunnel under the pretence of talking, where he initiated sexual activity and continued despite her repeated refusals.
Following an investigation involving forensic and digital evidence, Richards was charged with rape and entered his guilty plea at Swansea Crown Court.
On 21st January, Richards was sentenced to three years and six months in a young offender's institution for the crime.
Detective Sergeant Carl Pocock from Dyfed-Powys Police praised the victim, saying her courage in reporting the offence and cooperating with the investigation was commendable.
“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,” Pocock said.
He added that the case highlights the importance of having conversations about online safety, consent, and the law with young people.
“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, sparing the victim the additional trauma of the case going to trial," Pocock said.