JEFFERY SMALE SENTENCED IN BARNSTAPLE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING UNDERAGE TEENAGER

In July 2010, a serious case involving a young man from Barnstaple captured the attention of local authorities and the community alike. Jeffery Smale, aged 20 and residing at Fair View in Barnstaple, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face charges related to his conduct with a minor. The case centered around allegations that Smale engaged in consensual sexual activities with an underage girl, an act that is criminally prosecutable regardless of consent due to the age of the victim.

According to court proceedings, Smale took the initiative to surrender himself to the police, a move that demonstrated some level of acknowledgment of his actions. The police reports indicated that the girl involved had confided in her father about the incidents, prompting her father to escort her to the Barnstaple police station. There, she provided a detailed account of the encounters to officers, which led to further investigation.

During the police interview, Smale attended voluntarily, without legal representation, and admitted to having sexual relations with the girl on two separate occasions. The prosecution, led by Gareth Evans, emphasized that Smale was aware that his actions were unlawful and expressed remorse and shame for his conduct. The court was informed that the sexual acts had been initiated by the girl herself on both occasions, adding complexity to the case.

In his defense, Richard Crabb highlighted that Smale had been forthcoming during police questioning, voluntarily admitting to his behavior. Crabb also pointed out that Smale was a hardworking individual who might face bullying in prison due to his learning difficulties. The defense attorney stressed that Smale felt profound remorse and guilt, and he had not attempted to minimize or deny his actions.

Judge Stephen Wildblood QC, acknowledging the circumstances, stated that he was bound by legal guidelines to impose a custodial sentence. Despite recognizing the defendant’s learning difficulties and immaturity, the judge sentenced Smale to 18 months in a young offenders’ institution. Additionally, Smale was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years, a standard requirement for such offenses, to ensure ongoing monitoring and public safety.