Nigel Robin Smith

A man from Newton Abbot, Devon, has been imprisoned for over eight years following his conviction for child sex offences. Nigel Robin Smith, aged 40 and residing on Queensway, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, 5 May 2016. The case formed part of Operation Pangram, an ongoing police investigation into child sexual exploitation in the South Devon area.

Smith was arrested in September 2015 and charged with multiple counts of sexual activity involving two young girls, who were aged between 12 and 14 at the time of the abuse. Over a number of years, children as young as 12 in the region have been subjected to alcohol, drugs, and sexual exploitation by various suspects. Smith pleaded guilty to eight sexual offences and two additional offences related to the supply of cannabis. He had been remanded in custody since his arrest.

The investigation, led by Devon and Cornwall Police, has identified several victims who are receiving support and safeguarding from police and social services. Proactive measures have been implemented in Newton Abbot and Torbay by local neighbourhood teams in partnership with authorities to educate and protect young people at gathering spots, aiming to reduce exposure to such crimes.

• Arrest date: September 2015
• Court: Exeter Crown Court
• Sentence date: 5 May 2016
• Sentence: 8 years and 6 months imprisonment

Detective Inspector Mark Smeaton, from the Local Investigation Team in Totnes, emphasised the severity of these crimes, stating: "We take child sexual exploitation offences very seriously as they are a serious threat to young people. We will continue to pursue the perpetrators of these damaging offences and bring them to justice. This type of offending has serious and lasting consequences on the young victims, and any successful prosecution, with support from our partnership agencies, is only the first step in actively supporting their futures."

Detective Constable Nadine Freestone, from the Public Protection Unit in Ashburton, praised the victims' bravery: "We would like to thank the female victims for their strength and courage in bringing this matter to the attention of police. The verdict has pleased the victims and it will undoubtedly help them in moving on with their lives." The case underscores the commitment of Devon and Cornwall Police to tackling child sexual exploitation and supporting affected communities.