Sex offender jailed for child sex offences in Ivybridge ​

A sex offender has been jailed after being convicted of the sexual abuse of a child in Ivybridge.

Samuel Netley, 32, was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court recently after pleading guilty mid-trial to four counts of sexual activity with a child and breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Samuel Netley - Devon and Cornwall Police 

Netley, who has resided at numerous addresses across Devon and Cornwall and has previously been convicted of child sex offences, was sentenced to an extended sentence of 10 years and eight months – five years eight months in prison and five years on extended licence.

He must also serve the sex offenders’ register for life. A restraining order was put in place to protect the victim.

The court heard how in 2019, police received a call from the victim’s mother, stating that her daughter, a teenage child under 16, had been abused by an older man after he befriended her on Snapchat.

Netley, who lied about his age, sent inappropriate pictures to the victim and went on to meet her in woods, where he committed the contact offences after pressurising her.

Netley’s offending and grooming of the victim was uncovered following extensive examination 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 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 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