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A vape shop owner has been jailed after sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who tried to shoplift from his South Devon store. Janpal Singh, 27, pushed the teenager to the back of his store on Victoria Street, Paignton, and sexually assaulted her behind the counter after she tried to leave without paying for a vape. Singh appeared at Plymouth Crown Court on Thursday, where he was jailed for six years and eight months.

The 27-year-old, who owned phone repair and vape shop Fone Fix when the assault was reported in 2023, was also ordered to sign the National Sex Offender Register and handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The sentencing came after he was found guilty of sexual assault following a trial on November 11, 2025.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "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 the police."

Police also praised the "enormous strength and courage" of the 13-year-old.

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."