Northumberland paedophile's eventual jailing sends out 'firm message to potential offenders'

Frazer Smiles was initially handed a two-year suspended sentence at Newcastle Crown Court in October after he admitted eight counts of abusing a teenage schoolgirl.

Both Northumbria Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) then appealed to the Attorney General’s office to sanction a bid to have the “unduly lenient” sentence reviewed.

This resulted in judges at London’s Court of Appeal locking Smiles up for three years and six months last week.

Smiles was arrested years after his offences when his victim bravely reported him to the Northumbria force.

Detective Constable Anthony Murray, the leading officer on the investigation, said: "Firstly, I want to again thank the victim for her bravery during this incredibly difficult time.

“She has shown incredible strength time and time again during this process.

“I hope with her bravery, along with the fight to appeal his sentence, shows other victims that support is there and people are here to help you get justice for any crime you are a victim of.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of any form of abuse to come forward and report it to someone they trust. There is support for you and we can help put more offenders like Smiles behind bars.

“This appeal should also send a firm message to potential offenders. Along with partners we will pursue justice to every corner of the criminal justice system to ensure justice for victims and so we can continue to keep the public and communities safe.”

Smiles, 25, of Saint Bartholomew’s Crescent, Berwick, pleaded guilty to eight counts of inciting sexual behaviour on a a child and was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a decade in October.

He must still sign the register upon his eventual release.

Victims of rape, sexual assault or abuse are asked to contact police on 101 or use the reporting incident form on the www.northumbriapolice.uk 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 be reached at 0800 0113116.