A rapist who attacked a teenager after contacting her on Snapchat may have used the app to target other young girls, police have said.

Officers are appealing for further potential victims to come forward after Rhodri Griffiths was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.

He was convicted of offences including sexual activity with a child, rape and sexual assault.

The 28-year-old messaged the teenage girl on Snapchat, drove to her home and then took her to a secluded hospital car park where the attack took place in October last year, Newport Crown Court heard.

Gwent Police said he had “added and messaged girls on Snapchat in the past using fake usernames” and often used the pseudonym James.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Sedgebeer said: “The behaviour displayed by Rhodri Griffiths suggests that there could be more victims who may not have come forward.

“We hope this outcome shows anyone who is a victim of sexual assault that they will be listened to, believed and respected. We take all allegations very seriously and if a report is made to us, we investigate it thoroughly.”

He added: “We want to reassure anyone considering doing so that there is a whole range of support out there; not only from Gwent Police but from partner agencies who can help you through the entire process.”

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Following Griffiths’s sentencing on Thursday, Detective Constable Georgia Dunne, the officer in the case, praised the victim and witnesses for their testimony.

She added: “They have shown tremendous bravery and resilience throughout the investigation and the subsequent court process.

“Rhodri Griffiths is a dangerous man, and we welcome the sentence provided by the courts and hope that he uses this time to reflect on his actions.”

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