{The teenager} was ‘pushed to the again of the store’ and ‘behind the counter’ earlier than she was sexually assaulted.
The 27-year-old was jailed after being discovered responsible of sexual assault final 12 months (Picture: Cornwall and Devon Police)
A vape store proprietor has been jailed after sexually assaulting a 13-year-old lady who tried to shoplift from his South Devon retailer. Janpal Singh, 27, pushed {the teenager} to the again of his retailer on Victoria Avenue, Paignton, and sexually assaulted her behind the counter after she tried to go away with out paying for a vape. Singh appeared at Plymouth Crown Courtroom on Thursday, the place he was jailed for six years and eight months.
The 27-year-old, who owned telephone restore and vape store Fone Repair when the assault was reported in 2023, was additionally ordered to signal the Nationwide Intercourse Offender Register and handed a 10-year Sexual Hurt Prevention Order. The sentencing got here after he was discovered responsible of sexual assault following a trial on November 11, 2025.
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The sexual assault was reported in a vape store within the seaside city of Paignton in Devon (Picture: Getty)
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police stated: “The incident occurred in 2023, with the sufferer being simply 13-years-old.
“She had been in Singh’s store and tried to take a vape with out paying for it.
“She was then detained by Singh who pushed her in direction of the again of the store behind the counter and subjected her to a sexual assault.
“The sufferer managed to flee the store and reported the incident to the police.”
Police additionally praised the “monumental power and braveness” of the 13-year-old.
Detective Constable Rachael Delaney stated: “Firstly I want to reward the braveness of the sufferer who has demonstrated monumental power all through.
“I sincerely hope that as we speak’s consequence will encourage others to come back ahead to report sexual abuse and offers them the arrogance to know that they are going to be believed and listened to.”
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