Jason Franklin Smith

A 54-year-old man from Waterlooville has been imprisoned for sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a pub in Lee-on-the-Solent. Jason Franklin Smith, residing on London Road, was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, 20 June 2025, following his conviction on two counts of sexual assault.

The assaults took place on the evening of Saturday, 18 March 2023, at The Wyvern public house located on Common Barn Lane. According to court proceedings, Smith first approached the 17-year-old victim from behind, placed his arms around her chest area, kissed her neck, and made inappropriate comments about looking forward to her 18th birthday. Later that same evening, he approached her again from behind and pressed his groin against her leg and buttocks.

Smith was found guilty of both charges during a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 April 2025. In addition to the custodial sentence, he has been required to register as a sex offender for one year and is subject to a restraining order to protect the victim.

The case was investigated by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, with PC Lynsey Tallon leading the inquiry. The court heard evidence of the significant and lasting impact the assaults had on the victim, including prolonged anxiety and stress.

This incident underscores the seriousness with which the courts treat sexual offences, particularly those involving vulnerable young individuals in public settings. The sentencing reflects the need to deter such predatory behaviour and provide justice for survivors.