A 54-year-old man from Waterlooville has been jailed for a year after he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl at a pub in Lee-On-The-Solent.

On Saturday 18 March 2023 Jason Franklin Smith of London Road was in the Wyvern on Common Barn Lane, approached the victim from behind, wrapped his arms around her chest, kissed her down her neck and stated that he couldn’t wait for her 18^th birthday. Later the same evening he again approached her from behind and rubbed his groin on her leg and buttocks.

On Tuesday 22 April 2025 Smith was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault at Portsmouth Crown Court. He was jailed for a year at the same court today (Friday 20 June 2025) and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a year and is subject to a restraining order.

Officer in the case, PC Lynsey Tallon said: “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”.

We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual assault to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

For information and contact details relating to sexual abuse support services, you can visit our dedicated web page: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/