LEE NASH SHOCKS BIDEFORD AND SURREY WITH DEVON SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

In September 2022, Lee Nash, who is currently residing in Newdigate, Surrey, was involved in a disturbing criminal case that has garnered significant attention. The incident dates back to June of the same year, when Nash was accused of sexually assaulting a teenage boy in his home in Bideford, Devon. The victim, who was temporarily homeless at the time, had been offered refuge by Nash, with whom he had developed a friendship over the previous two years.

According to court reports, Nash had invited the young boy to his residence in Bideford after the victim had consumed tequila and become intoxicated. Nash, then 34 years old and formerly living on Watkins Way in Bideford, had taken the boy to a spare room in his house to sleep. During the night, Nash engaged in inappropriate behavior by placing his hand inside the boy’s underwear under the guise of plugging in a mobile phone charger. The victim, who was asleep and intoxicated, was subjected to this unwanted contact multiple times, with Nash touching his thigh on about five occasions and slipping his hand inside his boxer shorts on three to five separate instances.

The victim, who was vulnerable and under the influence of alcohol, was reportedly trying to show he was awake by moving around in bed. When he asked Nash what he was doing, Nash initially claimed he was simply plugging in the phone charger. However, he then began to apologize after the victim expressed shock and anger, prompting the boy to leave the house immediately. The incident left the victim deeply upset and distressed, describing Nash as his 'best mate' and expressing confusion over Nash’s intentions, initially believing Nash wanted to help him but later realizing it was an attempt to get closer physically.

Prosecutor Miss Janice Eagles outlined that Nash had known the victim for approximately two years and had previously offered him a place to stay when he had nowhere else to go. The court heard that Nash had a history of inappropriate conduct, including a prior conviction in 2008 for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old footballer while he was a coach. During that incident, Nash had plied the young player with alcohol and was found touching him while he was intoxicated.

Despite being subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that prohibited him from contacting boys under 16, Nash had been associating with older teenage boys aged 16 to 19 in Devon, where he had been inviting them to his home to drink alcohol and take Valium. The court was told that Nash’s behavior created a dangerous environment, especially considering the high risk factors involved.

In court, Nash admitted to the charge of sexual assault and was sentenced to two years in prison by Recorder Mr. Ignatius Hughes, QC. The judge acknowledged Nash’s efforts to avoid offending and his attempts to control his sexuality but emphasized that his actions had created a highly risky environment that ultimately led to the assault. The judge highlighted the significant disparity in age and the victim’s vulnerable state, noting that the victim was intoxicated, in Nash’s home, and nearly naked at the time of the incident.

During sentencing, the judge stated, “I accept you have made significant steps to avoid offending and not to express your sexuality in an unlawful way. However, you created an environment in which the risk factors were sky high and came to fruition. The probation report indicates you pose a high risk of serious harm to individuals like this victim. The victim was vulnerable because of his circumstances—drunk, in your home, and nearly naked.”