Ivybridge man faces five charges including sexual offences and robbery

A 34-year-old Ivybridge man has appeared before magistrates charged with five offences, including inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity. 

Luke Smerdon, 34, of Exeter Road, Ivybridge, appeared before Plymouth Magistrates Court on September 15.

The sexual offences followed an alleged incident in Millbay Road, Plymouth, on September 11 this year. 

He was charged with: 

• inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in penetrative sexual activity
• robbery - it is alleged that he robbed a woman of cash in Plymouth on July 27
• robbery - it is alleged that he robbed of a woman of cash in Plymouth between July 1 and July 14
• failing to abide by a curfew previously set by failing to reside at an appointed address and removal of an electronic monitoring tag
• handling stolen goods - concerning a Nationwide Bank debit card in Plymouth between July 18 and July 27 

Smerdon pleaded not guilty to the two robbery charges and the handling stolen goods charge.

He has offered no pleas concerning the sexual offence and failing to abide by a curfew. 

Smerdon was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Plymouth Crown Court on October 16 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.