Frazer Smiles

Frazer Smiles, a 25-year-old resident of Northumberland, faced justice for sexually abusing a schoolgirl after admitting to multiple counts of incitement. The case, which highlighted the persistence of the legal system in addressing serious sexual offences against children, began with an initial lenient sentencing that was later overturned on appeal.

In October 2019, at Newcastle Crown Court, Smiles pleaded guilty to eight counts of inciting sexual activity on a child. The offences involved grooming and abusing a young schoolgirl, actions that were described by authorities as gravely serious. Despite the severity, Judge unidentified imposed a two-year suspended prison sentence, along with requirements for electronic monitoring and registration on the sex offenders’ register for ten years. This decision drew immediate concern from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which deemed the punishment inadequate for the harm inflicted on the victim.

• Smiles admitted to eight specific counts of incitement, targeting a minor.
• The victim, who was a schoolgirl at the time, later reported the abuse as an adult, demonstrating remarkable courage.
• Northumbria Police commended her bravery, noting that her actions led to Smiles's conviction.

Acting swiftly, the CPS referred the case to Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, seeking permission to appeal the sentence. Permission was granted, and the matter proceeded to the Court of Appeal in London. On 19 December 2019, appeal court judges reviewed the evidence and concurred with the CPS's assessment. A spokesman for the CPS stated: “We referred the case to the Attorney General as we considered that the sentence was not commensurate with the seriousness of the offence. We are reassured that the Court of Appeal has endorsed our views by increasing the sentence.” Consequently, Smiles's sentence was upgraded to three years and six months' imprisonment, ensuring he would serve time in custody.

Detective Constable Anthony Murray of Northumbria Police, who investigated the case, praised the victim's resilience in a statement from October 2019: “I want to thank the victim for her bravery during what has been and continues to be a very difficult time for her. The courageous actions of this woman have helped convict a sex offender.” Smiles, residing at Saint Bartholomew’s Crescent in Berwick, was not present in court for the appeal hearing and was expected to commence his custodial term the following day. This outcome underscores the judicial mechanisms available to rectify unduly lenient sentences in child sex offence cases, providing a measure of justice for the victim and a deterrent for similar perpetrators.