In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 25-year-old Frazer Smiles—from Berwick, Northumberland—was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court for the systematic grooming of a 13-year-old girl. Smiles pleaded guilty to eight counts of inciting sexual activity on a child on Friday 25 October. It was reported that the investigation into Smiles’ predatory behaviour began after the victim, now aged 18, displayed extraordinary bravery by coming forward to report the historical abuse that occurred when she was a young teenager.
The investigation established that Smiles befriended and groomed the victim when she was only 13 years old, exploiting her vulnerability. Newcastle Crown Court heard that the survivor’s decision to speak out was instrumental in bringing Smiles to justice. The prosecution reported that Northumbria Police specialist officers supported the victim throughout the process, with Detective Constable Anthony Murray praising her courageous actions as a catalyst that should encourage other survivors to report similar forms of abuse.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Smiles’ actions caused profound and lasting distress to the victim. The investigation established that Smiles targeted the child over a period of time, using incitement to facilitate sexual activity. Newcastle Crown Court heard that the defendant’s guilty plea to all eight counts spared the victim from the further trauma of a full trial, though the judge noted that the difficult recovery for the survivor continues.
Judge-led proceedings concluded with Smiles receiving a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. For his actions in Berwick and Northumberland, he was placed under electronic monitoring to ensure his movements are tracked by authorities. The judge ordered that his name be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years, noting that while the custodial term was suspended, the statutory requirements would ensure he remains under intense supervision within the community.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Northumberland, the status of Frazer Smiles as of April 7, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (Served 2-year suspended sentence; sentenced Oct 2018; period expired circa 2020).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active until 2028.
- Supervision Status: Completed the period of electronic monitoring and suspended sentence conditions.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Inciting sexual activity on a child; 8 counts).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court; investigated by Northumbria Police.
- Criminal Record: Befriended and groomed a 13-year-old; Pleaded guilty to eight counts of incitement; Subject to decade-long notification requirements.
- Origin: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Smiles is managed as a registered sex offender within the Berwick area following the expiration of his suspended sentence. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically his “calculated grooming” of a 13-year-old and the “multiplicity of offences”—his management is a priority for the Northumbria Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his inclusion on the register until 2028 ensures that any change in his circumstances or residence is monitored to prevent any further risk to minors.
As a registered sex offender, the 25-year-old’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his notification requirements are mandatory, and any residence in Berwick or the wider Northumberland area is subject to statutory oversight. Any attempt to contact the victim, any failure to report his movements, or any unauthorised proximity to children will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of predatory incitement.
QUESTION – Given that the offender groomed a child and pleaded guilty to eight counts of incitement, do you believe that “Suspended Sentences” provide an adequate deterrent for predatory sexual behaviour against 13-year-olds?
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