Description
A vape shop owner who sexually assaulted a teenager in his shop in Paignton has been jailed.
Janpal Singh, 27 of High Street, Exeter, was found guilty of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl and sentenced to six years and eight months in prison at Plymouth Crown Court today, Thursday 23 April.
Singh was also given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the National Sex Offender Register
The court heard that Signh had owned a phone repair and vape shop called ‘Fone Fix’ on Victoria Street.
The incident happened in 2023, with the victim being just 13 years old. She had been in Singh’s shop and attempted to take a vape without paying for it. She was then detained by Singh who pushed her towards the back of the shop behind the counter and subjected her to a sexual assault.
The victim managed to flee the shop and reported the incident to police.
Following a trial at Plymouth Crown Court, Singh was found guilty of sexual assault against the victim on 11th November 2025.
Detective Constable Rachael Delaney said:
“Firstly I wish to praise the courage of the victim who has demonstrated enormous strength throughout.
“I sincerely hope that today’s outcome will encourage others to come forward to report sexual abuse and gives them the confidence to know that they will be believed and listened to.”