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 on Thursday, April 23.

Singh was also given a 10-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 November 11, 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.”

It is important to note that survivors of sexual offences are protected by law and have life-long anonymity.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes on our website.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are lots of organisations and support agencies available across Devon and Cornwall that can help provide support.

For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available, please visit our support pages by clicking here.

Advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies: • National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 • Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

VICTIM CARE

If you have been affected by crime, please visit Home - Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (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 1689111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.