Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Regional Footballers Jailed for Sex Crimes Against 14-Year-Old at 2024 Party

The judge condemned the abuse as degrading, citing an exploitative age gap.

Overview

  • Riley Smith received a minimum of three years and 10 months and Jaiden Fidge a minimum of three years, with maximum terms of five years 11 months and four years nine months respectively.
  • Both men pleaded guilty after police presented DNA evidence that the judge described as overwhelming.
  • They will be listed on the sex offender register for 15 years following convictions for sexual penetration of a child under 16.
  • The court heard the men jointly assaulted the girl after learning she was 14, with Smith later abusing her again and having lied that he was 17.
  • Judge Gerard Mullaly cited high moral culpability and recorded the victim’s ongoing trauma and her family’s distress, while noting Smith also has a pending drug‑driving matter in NSW.