NIGEL SAMUEL'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN CHUDLEIGH AND NEWTON ABBOT REVEALED

In August 2022, a disturbing case involving Nigel Samuel, a man from Chudleigh, came to light as he was convicted of grooming and sexually abusing young girls. Samuel, aged 61 and residing on Market Way in Chudleigh, orchestrated a series of heinous acts that have left a lasting impact on his victims.

Samuel took advantage of his position by creating a private 'party chalet' at the bottom of his garden in Newton Abbot. This secluded structure was equipped with a bar, television, comfortable sofas, and a pool table, transforming it into a venue for his illicit gatherings. He hosted parties primarily attended by schoolgirls aged between 14 and 17, during which he engaged in inappropriate behavior and made sexual suggestions. The victims were coerced into removing their tops in exchange for free drinks, a tactic Samuel used to manipulate and exploit their vulnerability.

One of the most disturbing allegations involved Samuel asking a 14-year-old girl for oral sex. Additionally, he persuaded three girls to kiss each other while he watched, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. He also sexually assaulted another 14-year-old girl by touching her breasts under the guise of giving her a massage. These acts of abuse were brought to light when the victims and two of their friends, who had also attended the parties, testified at Exeter Crown Court. They described Samuel as 'creepy' and recounted how his actions had deeply affected them.

The victims provided personal statements detailing the emotional and psychological toll of Samuel’s abuse. One girl expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “He had the power as an older man and twisted it. I felt betrayed that he could have done something like this when we were at such a vulnerable age.” Another victim revealed her ongoing embarrassment, saying, “I am so embarrassed that I still haven’t told my parents the truth eight years after being abused. I feel very embarrassed and almost blame myself.” The third victim shared that the trauma has become a part of her identity, emphasizing, “What happened to me never really goes away. The abuse has become part of my identity and will stay with me. I have had this hanging over me for years, and it is important the sentence reflects the ongoing effect on me.”

Judge Neil Davey, QC, sentenced Samuel to nine years in prison and ordered him to be registered as a sex offender for life. During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the nature of Samuel’s misconduct, stating, “You built a chalet which was designed as a place to relax and have fun with a pool table, television, furniture, and a well-stocked bar. The girls went there for parties, and you regularly made sexually inappropriate comments. You persuaded one to kiss two of the others when they were disinhibited by the drink you had been happy to provide.”

Prosecutor Miss Heather Hope explained that the offenses occurred during the 2010s but only came to light in 2019 when one of the girls reported the abuse to the police. Other girls who attended the parties confirmed Samuel’s inappropriate behavior and revealed that he had banned them from bringing boyfriends. However, charges related to some of the other girls were dropped because they were over 16 at the time of the incidents.

Samuel was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault against one girl and two counts of inciting a child to sexual activity against two others. He was acquitted of nine additional charges. The court’s verdict underscores the severity of his actions and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims, who have struggled with the emotional aftermath of his abuse for years.