Northumberland paedophile who received suspended sentence may yet be jailed

A paedophile who received a suspended jail term after abusing a schoolgirl may yet end up behind bars.
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The Northumberland pervert was also ordered to be monitored electronically and must sign the sex offenders’ register for a decade.

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Now Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has deemed the sentence to be too lenient and urged judges at the Court of Appeal to reconsider the case.

Pervert Frazer Smiles, who avoided an immediate jail term earlier this year, may yet face a tougher sentence.Pervert Frazer Smiles, who avoided an immediate jail term earlier this year, may yet face a tougher sentence.
Pervert Frazer Smiles, who avoided an immediate jail term earlier this year, may yet face a tougher sentence.

The appeal will be heard on Thursday, December 19, in London.

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which referred the case to Mr Cox’s office, would not discuss precise details of the case ahead of next week’s hearing.

But they said: “If the CPS feels a sentence is unduly lenient, we will ask the Attorney General to consider the case.

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“A sentence is considered unduly lenient where it falls outside the range of sentences which the judge, applying his mind to all the relevant factors, could reasonably consider appropriate."

Smiles, of Saint Bartholomew’s Crescent, in Berwick, was arrested after his victim bravely reported him to police.

After he admitted eight charges of inciting sexual activity on a child, police praised the victim for coming forward and hoped her decision would encourage others to report sexual abuse.

Detective Constable Anthony Murray, of Northumbria Police, said: "I want to thank the victim for her bravery during what has been and continues to be a very difficult time for her.

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“The courageous actions of this woman have helped convict a sex offender and I hope her bravery encourages other victims of sexual assault to come forward knowing they will be supported fully be specialist officers.”

Anyone who has been victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse is asked to contact police on 101 or report such crimes via the reporting incident form on the Northumbria Police website.

They can also contact the 24/7 crisis helpline on 0333 3448283 or find out more about the force’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre at www.reachsarc.org.uk.

Victims First Northumbria can also be reached at 0800 0113116.