Child rapist targeted vulnerable young girls.

James Thomas, a 42-year-old man from Carmarthen, Wales, has been sentenced to an extended sentence as a dangerous offender for the sexual abuse of two young girls.

Thomas was convicted of 21 counts of rape of a girl under 13, sexual assault, and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The abuse spanned a six-year period, beginning when one of the victims was just five years old.

During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, Thomas denied all charges, including oral, anal, and vaginal rape. However, the court heard victim statements from the two girls detailing the devastating psychological impact the abuse had on their lives.

The victims described feeling scared around men, isolated, suffering from nightmares and flashbacks, and resorting to self-harm to cope with the emotional pain. Due to their status as victims of sexual offenses, the girls have lifelong legal anonymity.

Judge Catherine Richards, in delivering the sentence, described Thomas's actions as a "campaign of rape" against one of the girls and highlighted the vulnerability of both victims. She determined that Thomas posed a significant risk of committing further sexual offenses against young girls, necessitating an extended sentence to protect the public.

Thomas was given a 24-year extended sentence, consisting of 22 years in custody followed by a two-year license period. He must serve two-thirds of the custodial element before applying for release, and the Parole Board will ultimately decide whether he is safe to be returned to the community. He will be a registered sex offender for the rest of his life.

Mandy Tobias, district crown prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, stated, "Rape is a harrowing crime that has a devastating effect on the victim. Thomas repeatedly abused two children to satisfy his own desires and now he will answer for his crimes thanks to the courage the children have shown in speaking out."