Jay Jenkins-Lang (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 13 April 2026
A 23-year-old man who escaped from support workers before going on to rape a 17-year-old girl has been handed an extended sentence at Cardiff Crown Court, comprising 10 years’ custody and six years on extended licence.
Jay Jenkins-Lang, of Pontypool, was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and made subject to an indefinite restraining order.
A forged letter
During his trial in September 2024, Jenkins-Lang attempted to deceive the jury by producing a letter he claimed had been written by the victim, in which she purportedly apologised for framing him. The court established the letter was a fabrication.
Escape and attack
The court heard that in June 2023, Jenkins-Lang had been facing charges for firearms and offensive weapon offences and was being escorted to Newport Magistrates’ Court by support workers when he absconded, leaving the area in a taxi.
He made his way towards Cwmbran, stopping en route to purchase an air pistol and ammunition. It was there that he assaulted and raped the teenager while armed with the recently acquired weapons.
Arrest
Jenkins-Lang was detained just hours later in the Cwmbran area. Officers found him wearing a stab vest and still in possession of the weapon, ammunition and a knife.
Offences
Following a trial, Jenkins-Lang was found guilty of rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an imitation firearm at the time of committing an offence, and doing an act intended to pervert the course of justice.
He had earlier admitted possession of a bladed article, having an imitation firearm and ammunition in a public place, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and criminal damage.
Gwent Police response
Police Staff Investigator Victoria Hopkins, the officer in charge, said: “Jay Jenkins-Lang is a dangerous individual who carried out hideous offences against a teenage girl.
“In his final act of cowardice, he tried to jeopardise the trial and evade judgement by perverting the course of justice.
“In complete contrast, the victim has shown incredible strength, perseverance and courage throughout the entire process. Without her we would not have been able to bring Jenkins-Lang before the courts and ensure that this vile man is put behind bars.
“The effects of being a victim of sexual assault can be longstanding; however, I hope this outcome brings some sense of justice and closure for her.”
CPS response
Speaking after the sentencing, Catherine Miles, senior crown prosecutor in the CPS Cymru-Wales rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) team, said: “Jay Jenkins-Lang subjected a vulnerable teenager to a horrific crime.
“He showed no remorse for his actions, trying to persuade the jury that the victim had made it up and confessed to framing him in a letter.
“The Crown Prosecution Service presented strong evidence, proving that the letter did not come from the victim.
“It is through the victim’s courage in coming forward that we have brought this rapist to justice.”
