Samuel Netley, a sex offender and paedophile from Ivybridge, has been incarcerated following his conviction for the sexual abuse of a child in Ivybridge.
Samuel Netley, 32, was recently jailed at Plymouth Crown Court after admitting mid-trial to four counts of sexual conduct with a minor and violating a sexual harm prevention order.
Samuel Netley, a resident of several locations in Devon and Cornwall with a prior conviction for child sex offences, received an extended sentence of 10 years and eight months, comprising five years and eight months of imprisonment followed by five years on extended license.
He is required to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. A restraining order was instituted to safeguard the victim.
In 2019, the court was informed that the police got a phone from the victim’s mother, reporting that her daughter, a minor under 16, had been assaulted by an older male who had befriended her on Snapchat.
Samuel Netley, who falsified his age, transmitted improper images to the victim and subsequently met her in the woods, where he perpetrated contact offences after coercing her.
The discovery of Samuel Netley’s offences and grooming of the victim occurred after a thorough analysis of mobile phones.
Investigating officer DC Simon Cooper said: “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.
“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 Samuel Netley are brought to justice.”
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger from sexual abuse or exploitation call 999 now. If it’s not an emergency please use the “Report” button on our website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call 101. You can report child sexual abuse anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
You will find more information and support regarding child abuse and exploitation here: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse
The Stop It Now charity provides an anonymous helpline for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and can help if you are worried about your own thoughts, feelings or behaviour, or have any concerns about another adult or young person www.stopitnow.org.uk
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.