Ronald Keith Richards

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been imprisoned for committing serious child sex offences against two victims. Ronald Keith Richards, aged 66 and known as Keith, from Port Talbot town centre, was found guilty of a series of attacks that spanned years and involved extreme abuse of defenceless children.

One of Richards' victims revealed to family members that they had been repeatedly raped by him since the age of seven, with the abuse continuing for a period of four years. The second victim endured rape and sexual assault at Richards' hands between the ages of eight and thirteen, an ordeal that occurred over 20 years ago. These disclosures highlight the long-lasting impact of Richards' predatory behaviour on his young victims.

In January 2025, Richards was convicted on all 14 counts charged against him at court. The charges encompassed Rape of a child under 13, Sexual Assault, Indecent Assault, and Gross Indecency. Following the trial, on 11 March 2025, he received a sentence of 25 years' imprisonment, which includes an extended licence period. Additionally, he was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and indefinite Restraining Orders protecting both victims. Richards will remain on the sex offender register for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Joanne Williams of South Wales Police commented on the case: “We commend the victims for their bravery in coming forward about Ronald Richards’ actions. 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 of a very young age. The level and frequency of his offending was staggering. It is right that he should go to prison for a significant amount of time.” This statement underscores the severity of the crimes and the police force's commitment to supporting victims of sexual abuse.

The case was investigated and prosecuted with the involvement of South Wales Police, who published details of the sentencing on their official website. The bravery of the victims in reporting the historical abuses enabled justice to be served after decades.