Man, 19, jailed for more than two years for sexual offences against children

A 19-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed after admitting to causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of having sexual communications with a child.

Jayden Jack Robert Smith, of Blendworth Lane, admitted to the offences when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday 5 February – on the second day of his trial.

He was sentenced to two years and nine months when he appeared at the same court earlier today (Friday 11 April).

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Smith will have to sign the sex offenders register for life, and will be subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a five-year restraining order.

He is also subject to a deprivation order, which covers two mobile phones and a dash cam.

The sentencing follows an incident involving a child on Wednesday 3 July last year. During the incident, Smith followed the young victim in his car and subsequently isolated him in a wooded area in Botley, before then asking the child to expose himself.

Following the guilty plea, two other charges relating to the incident - attempt to cause/incite a boy under age of 13 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature and attempt kidnap with the intent to commit any relevant sexual offence - were subsequently dropped.

The sentencing also follows another incident in which he admitted to sending sexual communications to a second child, also in July 2024, and inciting him to perform a sexual act. This young victim was from another county.

After his guilty pleas, Smith was remanded in custody ahead of today’s hearing.

Passing sentence, His Honour Rowland, said: “There are troubling aspects of your character that need to be addressed.

“This is a complex case with a complex young man who has committed offences against two young boys.”

While addressing one of the victims and their family, His Honour Rowland, said: “I have read with regret the impact this has had on the boy and his family.

“But, I was struck in my meeting with the boy as to his vitality and strength of character for one so young, which will stand him in good strength as he continues to deal with what he was put through.”

Speaking after sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I am pleased for the victims and their families in this case that Smith has today been held accountable for his actions and justice has been served.

“He is now behind bars, where he belongs, and will have a considerable amount of time to consider the consequences of his actions.

“I really hope that this sentencing brings the victims and families some closure and enables them to move on with their lives, safe in the knowledge that Smith is now in prison, and can no longer harm any other children.

“We couldn’t have got to where we are today without all of the continued support of the young victims and their families throughout our investigation. I’d like to place on record my praise for their courage and determination. There was also a very young witness who was very brave and integral to us achieving the outcome we have today.

On the hard work of all those involved in the case, PSI Stevens, who led the investigation, said: “Protecting children from abuse and exploitation is one of the most important missions that we, the police, have.

“This is yet another example of extremely effective policing in action, and I would like to extend my thanks to all those involved in this case, whose hard work has resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice.

“We take reports and allegations of this nature extremely seriously and will always work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice. “We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse, of any form, to always contact police on 101 where you can speak with specialist, experienced officers in confidence.”

Anyone who has any concerns about child abuse should contact us on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. If it is an emergency, please always call 999.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there is support services available that can help you if you are a victim of abuse.

Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood, or is concerned about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

As a survivor of sexual abuse, you’re entitled to support, whether you report the crime or not. You can access different types of support depending on how you’re feeling and what you decide to do next.

Please follow the below link for more information;

Support after rape and sexual assault | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary