An “exceptionally dangerous” criminal who targeted and sexually abused two separate women has received a lengthy prison sentence following proceedings at Swansea Crown Court. Geoffrey Jones, aged 37, from Llanelli, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars as the extent of his offences came to light—crimes that included a failed attempt to rape a woman near a church and a sustained campaign of sexual violence against another victim.
During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge expressed deep regret that Jones had refused to acknowledge responsibility for his actions and had subjected his victims to the distress of a full trial. The court was told that Jones had exerted power and control over his victims, demonstrating little empathy or understanding of the pain he inflicted.
The first incident happened back in 2015 when Jones, while on a night out in Swansea city centre, managed to entice a woman to an isolated area close to St Mary’s Church. There, he sexually assaulted her and attempted to rape her, all within a short distance of a homeless individual who appeared unaware of the attack occurring nearby.
Further details emerged in court about Jones’s second set of offences, which occurred between 2017 and 2019. During this period, he raped a different woman repeatedly, once after making her drink numerous alcoholic shots. These harrowing experiences left the victim traumatised, with court documents revealing ongoing panic attacks and severe flashbacks stemming from the assaults.
Interestingly, while the 2015 incident was reported to the police at the time, the married survivor later retracted her support for criminal proceedings. It was only during subsequent police inquiries into other matters involving Jones that the sexual violence was revisited, leading to the cases being amalgamated and brought before the courts.
Jones was eventually convicted of multiple counts—assault by penetration, attempted rape, and four charges of rape—after a trial where his previous record, including an assault charge against a former partner, was also considered. The judge ordered him to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for parole, and his details will be included on the sex offenders’ register permanently.
Defending counsel James Hartson presented references to the court which painted Jones in a contrasting light, describing him as a caring partner and devoted father. However, these assertions did little to sway the outcome, especially as it was highlighted that Jones would now miss the birth of his next child due to his incarceration. The court also heard that mental health concerns currently prevent Jones from working.
After sentencing, Detective Constable Penny Romanello of South Wales Police described Jones as a highly dangerous individual who demonstrated a persistent lack of remorse. She expressed hope that the lengthy prison term handed to Jones would provide his victims with some measure of reassurance and allow them to begin recovering from their traumatic experiences.
Cases like this often reignite discussions about support structures and resources available to survivors of sexual violence. In the wake of distressing revelations, numerous charities and organisations continue to offer confidential advice and practical help to anyone affected by such crimes. Services such as Lifecentre, the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), Safeline, and Rape Crisis England & Wales operate free helplines and counselling for survivors, while also supporting the families and communities impacted by abuse.
The sentencing of Geoffrey Jones sends a clear message about the seriousness with which courts in Wales and across the country treat sexual offences. However, it also highlights the complex factors that influence whether survivors feel able to pursue justice, and the enduring impact these crimes leave on their lives. As society confronts the ongoing threat posed by sexual violence, the work of the police, courts, and support agencies remains crucial to ensuring offenders are brought to justice and survivors receive the assistance they urgently need.