A 54-year-old Waterlooville man has been sentenced to one year in prison after sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a Lee-on-the-Solent pub, with the court hearing he approached her from behind twice.
Jason Franklin Smith, of London Road, was handed the jail term at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Friday 20 June 2025) following his conviction for two counts of sexual assault.
The incidents occurred on Saturday 18 March 2023 at The Wyvern public house on Common Barn Lane. The court heard that Smith approached the teenage victim from behind, put his arms around her chest area, kissed her neck and told her he was looking forward to her 18th birthday.
Later that same evening, Smith again approached the girl from behind and pressed his groin against her leg and buttocks.
Smith was convicted of both charges on Tuesday 22 April 2025 at Portsmouth Crown Court. Along with the 12-month prison sentence, he has been ordered to register as a sex offender for one year and is subject to a restraining order.
PC Lynsey Tallon, the investigating officer, commented: “I’m pleased that the court has sent Smith to prison for these assaults that have had a significant impact on the victim causing her anxiety and stress over a long period of time. The restraining order and requirement to sign the sex offenders register will also provide reassurance to the victim and her family.”
Hampshire Police encourage anyone affected by sexual assault to contact them on 101, where officers can be spoken to in confidence.
- Police seek witnesses after serious Basingstoke assault
- Griffith convicted of Sean Ember murder in Andover
The force acknowledges that not everyone feels comfortable speaking directly to police about their experiences and reassures that specialist support services are available to help deal with the impact of abuse.
Information and contact details for sexual abuse support services can be found at: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/
