Samuel Netley Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Sexual Offences Against a Child
A 32-year-old convicted child sex offender has been jailed after pleading guilty to multiple offences involving a teenage victim in Devon.
Samuel Netley, who has lived at numerous addresses across Devon and Cornwall, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court after admitting to four counts of sexual activity with a child and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Netley received an extended sentence of 10 years and eight months, including five years and eight months in prison, followed by five years on extended licence. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, and a restraining order has been issued to protect his victim.
How the Offences Were Uncovered
The court heard that in 2019, police received a distressing call from the victim’s mother, who reported that her underage daughter had been abused by an older man she met on Snapchat.
Investigators later discovered that Netley had lied about his age, sending inappropriate images to the girl before persuading her to meet him in woodland, where he pressured her into sexual activity.
His crimes were uncovered following an extensive examination of mobile phones, which provided crucial evidence of his grooming behaviour.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Simon Cooper, who led the investigation, commended the victim’s bravery, stating:
“We feel so proud of the victim in this case, a victim Samuel Netley targeted because she was a vulnerable child.
“It took tremendous courage for her to come forward and report these offences and to help us find a predator hidden behind lies and mobile phones. Her determination to fight for justice never wavered throughout the entirety of the investigation.”
He added:
“The sentence delivered shows how seriously we deal with sexual offences against children, and I am certain that the lives of many young girls have been protected for years to come.
“I hope with this positive outcome, more victims of crime will feel able to come forward and work with the police. Together, we can ensure dangerous offenders like Netley are brought to justice.”
Support for Victims
If you have been affected by this case, support is available:
- Victim Support: Call 0808 1689 111
- Devon and Cornwall Police Victim Care Unit: Call 01392 475900
- National Rape Crisis Helpline: Call 0808 802 9999
- Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): Call 0300 303 4626
For more information, visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Non-emergency reports can be made via www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or by calling 101. Anonymous reports can be submitted through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
