Vape Shop Predator Janpal Singh Jailed After Assaulting Girl, 13

Janpal Singh has been handed a significant custodial sentence today following a harrowing incident at his business premises in Devon.

The sentencing of Janpal Singh at Plymouth Crown Court marks the conclusion of a deeply disturbing case that has shaken the local community in Paignton. Singh, a 27-year-old resident of High Street, Exeter, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The court heard how Singh exploited his position as the owner of ‘Fone Fix,’ a mobile phone and vape outlet on Victoria Street, to target a vulnerable 13-year-old girl.

The incident, which occurred in 2023, was triggered when the teenager attempted to leave the store with a vape without payment. Rather than contacting the authorities or following legal protocols for shoplifting, Singh used the situation as a pretext for violence and sexual deviance. He detained the child, forcibly moved her to the rear of the shop, and committed the assault behind the counter. The victim’s ability to escape and immediately report the crime to the police was pivotal in securing the conviction, which a jury returned on November 11 of last year.

Beyond the immediate prison term, the judiciary has implemented long-term measures to ensure public safety. Singh is now subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes strict limitations on his conduct and associations upon his eventual release. Furthermore, he has been placed on the National Sex Offender Register, ensuring lifelong monitoring by the authorities.

Detective Constable Rachael Delaney, of Devon and Cornwall Police, praised the victim’s fortitude in a statement provided to journalists. She noted that the victim demonstrated enormous strength throughout the proceedings and expressed hope that the outcome would provide confidence to other survivors of sexual abuse, reinforcing that they will be heard and believed.

As Singh begins his term, the focus shifts to the enforcement of his post-release restrictions and the ongoing support for the survivor. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the rigorous pursuit of justice in cases of child exploitation.