A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after being found guilty of the rape and sexual assault of three child victims.
32-year-old Joshua Jones, from Cwmavon, pleaded not guilty to all charges put to him.
After trial at Swansea Crown Court, Jones was found guilty of rape of a boy under 13, five counts of assault of a boy under 13 by touching, and causing a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity. His youngest victim was between five and six years old when Jones’ offending took place.
Jones has been handed a 23-year extended sentence, comprising 19 years in custody and four years on licence.
He will be on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable Samantha Lewis said:
“Joshua Jones callously took advantage of three boys in the most sickening of ways. He took advantage of the power that he had over them due to their very young age, and robbed them of the innocent years of their childhood.
“What he has done is absolutely reprehensible. This was no isolated incident; this was a number of occasions where Jones perpetrated horrendous crimes upon his child victims.
“He is rightfully going to be locked up in prison for a significant period of time.”
We never underestimate how difficult it is for survivors of sexual abuse to speak out and report.
But we hope cases like this one provide reassurance that victims will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and will be supported throughout the judicial process.
If you have been sexually abused, and you are not yet ready to report to police, please don’t suffer in silence. A wealth of information and details of support services can be found here.
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