ADRIAN SMITH FROM AXMINSTER AND PAIGNTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 15-YEAR-OLD BOY IN PAIGNTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Axminster and Paignton, a man named Adrian Smith has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy. The incident took place in Paignton, where Smith, aged 50, lured the young teenager into his residence under false pretenses and committed a serious sexual offense.

The court heard that Smith, who was formerly residing on Fosse Way in Axminster but has since moved to Torbay Road in Paignton, approached the boy with an offer that seemed to be a simple exchange. Smith proposed swapping a mobile phone for the boy’s bicycle, a tempting proposition for a young person eager to trade possessions. Trust was exploited as Smith convinced the boy to visit his flat in Paignton, where the alleged assault occurred.

Once inside Smith’s flat, the situation escalated quickly. According to the prosecution, Smith took advantage of the moment when the boy was distracted by a phone call. During this time, Smith allegedly pulled the boy onto his lap and, inappropriately, placed his hand inside the boy’s trousers, touching his private parts. The assault was interrupted when the boy pretended to receive a call, creating a distraction that allowed him to leave the flat and escape further harm.

Evidence collected during the investigation revealed that Smith left a trace of DNA on the boy’s underwear, which played a crucial role in establishing his guilt. Despite denying the charges of sexual assault, Smith was convicted by a jury at Exeter Crown Court in January after a trial that lasted several days.

Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced Smith to 14 months in prison, though the sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, Smith was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years and was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order explicitly prohibits him from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16 in the future.

During the sentencing, Judge Salomonsen emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “I accept you did not target the victim specifically because he was a 15-year-old boy, but you are 50 years old, and he was a youth with a bicycle. That much was clear to you. I consider there was grooming involved. You were attracted to him, and you knew what you were about. You wanted him in your flat for the purpose you carried through.”

The prosecution’s case was presented by Mr. Lee Bremridge, who highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime. He explained, “Smith lured the boy back to his flat in Paignton with the offer of swapping a mobile phone for his bicycle. In the flat, he pulled him onto his lap and put his hand down his trousers. He only stopped when the boy pretended to be receiving a call, which created a distraction and allowed him to leave.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who exploit trust and manipulate young victims. The authorities hope that the sentence will send a clear message that such predatory behavior will not be tolerated in the communities of Axminster and Paignton.