Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 620 verdicts at Exeter Crown Court (Exeter). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

June 2026 6 cases

Jake Franklin

Controlling or coercive behaviour *

Sentence

21 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 210 hours unpaid work, and £1,000 costs

Jake Franklin engaged in a campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-partner between 2022 and 2025. He regularly accused her of cheating, started arguments, threatened violence, checked her phone, and grabbed and pushed her. After the relationship ended, he made threatening phone calls, vowing payback if she did not give him a key to their former shared home. Recordings captured him threatening to glue locks, smash car windows, slash tyres, hurt her family, and ruin her life. He said she deserved to die alone and would face 'devastation'.

Pleaded guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour and threatening to destroy property. Showed genuine remorse; had witnessed domestic abuse as a child. Judge noted he had tried to minimise his offending and blame the victim. Restraining order until further notice.

18 Jun 2026

Dylan Chadwick

Manslaughter *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Dylan Chadwick and Zac Davies travelled together from Liverpool to Exmouth on the night of 31 May 2025, meeting with Tom Ward, Ben Mason and Ben Helliker. The group chased and attacked Denva Smith. Although Ward delivered the fatal stab wound, Chadwick was part of the group with intent to cause harm. Denva fled and collapsed, dying from the wound. Chadwick's trainers later tested positive for Denva's blood.

Found guilty of manslaughter. Travelled from Liverpool with Zac Davies. His trainers had Denva's blood on them. No comment in police interviews.

10 Jun 2026

Ben Mason

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 23 years and 6 months

Ben Mason was one of the group that attacked Denva Smith on 31 May 2025. Mason, along with Tom Ward, intended to cause Denva at least serious harm. After the stabbing by Ward, Mason pursued Denva who was fleeing. Denva died from a stab wound to the arm. Mason had known Denva and there was a history of conflict over drug supply. He was also convicted of a separate violent assault in December 2023 where he repeatedly punched and kicked a man in the head.

Found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent for a separate assault in December 2023. The GBH sentence is concurrent. Arrested at a probation office the day after the murder. No comment in police interviews.

10 Jun 2026

Tom Ward

Murder *

Sentence

Life imprisonment with minimum term of 23 years

On 31 May 2025, Tom Ward was part of a group of five men who attacked Denva Smith in Exmouth. Ward stabbed Denva in the left arm after chasing him from Dinham Way into Hawthorn Grove. Denva fled shoeless, shouting that he had been stabbed and was going to die, before collapsing in a garden on Ashfield Close. Despite emergency aid, Denva died at 1.40am from the single stab wound. Ward had previously been friends with Denva but there was ill‑feeling linked to drug supply in Exmouth. He later sent a message saying 'it's really bad'.

Found guilty of murder. Handed himself in at Tiverton Police Station. No comment in police interviews. The judge described the killing as 'senseless' and noted the 'utter misery' caused to Denva Smith's family.

10 Jun 2026

Zac Davies

Manslaughter *

Sentence

13 years imprisonment

Zac Davies travelled from Liverpool with Dylan Chadwick to meet the other defendants. He was present during the attack on Denva Smith, chasing Denva with the group. After Ward stabbed Denva, Davies pursued him. Blood was found on Davies' trainers. He later admitted to not providing his phone PIN. The group's violent attack caused Denva's death from a stab wound to the arm.

Found guilty of manslaughter. Pleaded guilty to not providing PIN access to his phone. His trainers had Denva's blood on them. Sent a message saying 'we f***ed up'. Eyewitnesses placed him near the scene.

10 Jun 2026

David Gibbs

Robbery *

Sentence

56 months imprisonment

On 30 September 2023, the victim was walking home along the Tarka Trail between Barnstaple and Chivenor after a night out, having been stranded. He encountered David Gibbs and co-defendant Francis Geary. Without warning, Gibbs and Geary punched and kicked the victim to the ground, causing a cut above his eye that required hospital treatment. They then stole his mobile phone, wallet, tobacco, and cigarettes before leaving him injured.

Pleaded guilty to robbery.

3 Jun 2026

May 2026 4 cases

Jamie Drew

Fraud *

Sentence

six and a half years imprisonment

Jamie Drew, 46, of Cottey Crescent in Exeter, targeted and exploited associates from his friendship circle, convincing them to lend him money which he promised could be paid back immediately. He never repaid it and instead persuaded them to repeatedly part with more money through long running stories involving banking issues, suggestions of money laundering allegations, and the risk of losing it all if they told anyone. The total value of the four frauds was £656,260, mostly spent on gambling. After arrest for offences against two victims, two more came forward while he was on bail.

Pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud. Targeted associates from friendship circle, spent money on gambling, prolonged suffering by claiming to work with solicitor.

21 May 2026

Eddie Howard

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Between December 9 2025 and January 6 2026, Eddie Howard engaged in online communications with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy using a friendship app and then WhatsApp, turning the conversation sexual and sending inappropriate messages including a video of a male performing a sex act. He arranged to meet the person at Exeter Quay on January 7 2026 but was met by members of a paedophile hunter group who called police, leading to his arrest. Howard admitted breaching his Sex Offenders’ Register notification requirements.

Pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, causing a child aged 13-15 to watch a sexual act and breach of a sexual harm prevention order. Has previous convictions for similar offending and was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and suspended sentence at the time.

13 May 2026

George Powell

Causing grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

20 months in prison

On October 18, 2025, George Powell attacked a man he knew with a baton at a caravan park on Grange Road, Paignton, Devon, while also in possession of a knife, causing a serious head injury feared to be life-threatening at the time. Both had travelled to Paignton from outside the force area. Powell left the scene and was arrested in Coventry.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. AKA George Whittaker. Wanted for recall to prison and non-payment of a six-figure fine related to illegal retention of Viking gold in 2015.

4 May 2026

Philip Street

Rape *

Sentence

10 years imprisonment

Philip Street, 59, of Greenaway in Morchard Bishop, Devon, abused his victim over a two-year period, committing two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, a sexual assault, and other occasions of rape and assault. He used fear to facilitate the abuse, persisting despite her protests and resistance due to his larger build and height. He told her it was their secret and that nobody would believe her. The offending came to light when the victim disclosed it at her GP surgery, leading to police involvement. DNA evidence contradicted his claims of consensual sex.

Found guilty at trial in March 2026 of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, a sexual assault, and two multiple incident counts. Must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

1 May 2026

April 2026 5 cases

Livvy Edney

Misconduct in public office *

Sentence

six-month custodial sentence

Livvy Edney, a former prison officer at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, entered into an inappropriate personal relationship with a convicted sex offender inmate. She made contact with the inmate outside of her working hours, using aliases and multiple pay-as-you-go mobile phones to hide the contact. The relationship continued even after the inmate was transferred to The Verne in Dorset, through his personal contacts outside the prison. Following her arrest in March 2023, items were recovered from her address showing she knowingly used false identities and coordinated contact times to maintain the relationship.

Pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.

24 Apr 2026

Miles Goninon

Possession and distribution of indecent images of children *

Sentence

12 years imprisonment

Miles Goninon, 29, from the Winkleigh area of Devon, targeted vulnerable young girls online through Snapchat, gaining their trust before inciting them into sharing degrading sexual content and carrying out self-harm. He was found in possession of thousands of indecent images and videos of children spanning all three categories, operated multiple Snapchat accounts pretending to be teenagers, and distributed child abuse material to others. Goninon was found in possession of hundreds of indecent videos and images of victims that he had requested and filmed virtually himself. Some victims were identified from their Snapchat usernames and placed around the world. The offending came to light when police received intelligence in June 2024, traced the account to his home, executed a warrant, seized devices, and arrested him.

Pleaded guilty to 25 offences including possession and distribution of indecent images of children (all categories), engaging in sexual communications with children and causing a child to engage in a sexual act. Made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. The sentencing judge described Goninon as taking no responsibility for the horrendous impact his crimes had on his victims and showing very limited empathy.

23 Apr 2026

Michael Elmer

Making and distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

13 months imprisonment

Michael Elmer, a 36-year-old former PC with Avon and Somerset Police, was arrested in May 2025 after the force's online Child Abuse Team received information. He admitted to making and distributing indecent images of children, including three counts of making an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child, one count of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child, and one count of sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state for the purpose of sexual gratification. Images were doctored using AI. A victim impact statement described the trauma, distress, sadness, disgust, and humiliation caused by the sharing of a privately shared image, expressing fear of its further possession and use.

Pleaded guilty to five charges. History of depression and autism outlined. Judge noted genuine remorse, realistic prospect of rehabilitation, but immediate custodial sentence appropriate due to nature of offending by a serving police officer. Marriage broke up after offences came to light. Banned from policing via accelerated misconduct hearing.

20 Apr 2026

Reece Webb

Supplying cocaine *

Sentence

2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Reece Webb supplied cocaine in 2023 to a woman who had an 11-year-old daughter and subsequently died from an overdose. Webb, a 27-year-old from Drum Way, Heathfield, was arrested and made full admissions about his involvement. He was a hard-working man who used cocaine socially, but this developed into a £100 a day addiction, leading him to supply the drug to feed his habit and make money.

Admitted supplying cocaine. Judge Stephen Climie noted the devastating impact of supplying class A drugs, as a mother died from an overdose. Webb had a £100 a day cocaine addiction and supplied to feed it and make money.

20 Apr 2026

James Mortiboy

Making indecent images of children *

Sentence

14-month suspended sentence

James Mortiboy, aged 73, of Lang Way, Ipplepen, downloaded more than one million images of child abuse over a 25-year period from 1998 to 2025, including babies and young children, mostly boys aged between seven and 10, being sexually assaulted by adults. The images, covering all categories of seriousness and including rape of very young children, were downloaded from the dark web. He was a Scout leader for much of that time. Police found the images on multiple devices after a tip-off from the National Crime Agency regarding suspicious activity on the Bing search engine. He was arrested in 2025. No evidence of contact offences.

Admitted four indecent image offences. Of previous good character, shown remorse, might be on the autistic spectrum. Recorder Joanna Evans noted his role as an active Scout leader in constant contact with boys, though no evidence of wrongdoing in that role.

15 Apr 2026

March 2026 28 cases

Stephen Pennington

Breaching sexual harm prevention order *

Sentence

3 years and 9 months imprisonment

Stephen Pennington, a 38-year-old sex offender convicted of raping a child under 13 in 2009, deliberately ignored court orders by moving from Blackburn, Lancashire to Bideford, Devon without notifying authorities in September 2025. He started a friendship with a young mum and downloaded Snapchat, which was prohibited. He refused to provide his phone PIN and account details. Police arrested him after examining his phone.

Admitted three offences of breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order and one of failing to comply with notifications requirements. Has ADHD and more than a dozen previous breaches of court orders. Judge noted blatant disregard for protective orders.

31 Mar 2026

Colby Hill

Rape *

Sentence

eight-and-a-half years imprisonment

Colby Hill, 22, of no fixed abode in Exeter, also known as Colby Seatherton, was convicted of two counts of rape of a woman, as well as intentional strangulation and two other non-sexual charges. The offences involved sexual assault and violence against the victim, who demonstrated great resilience throughout the judicial process. The case was investigated by Devon & Cornwall Police.

Found guilty at trial on two counts of rape, which he denied. Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and two other non-sexual charges at the start of the trial. Plus one year’s extended licence and indefinite restraining order.

30 Mar 2026

Aleksandar Dobrev

Possession with intent to supply class A drugs *

Sentence

30 months imprisonment

Bulgarian national Aleksandar Dobrev, 47, was involved in drug dealing activities in North Devon, attempting to pose as a tourist.

Pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Claimed to be a tourist in North Devon.

26 Mar 2026

John Charlesworth

Sexual assault *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

In 2022, John Charlesworth, a 77-year-old man from Higher Sandygate, Newton Abbot, sexually assaulted a woman after she had been drinking and passed out at a property. He took advantage of her vulnerability due to alcohol, undressing her while she slept and was completely unaware. DNA evidence linked him to the crime. The victim woke up to find what had happened and stated the offence caused great trauma and a huge impact on her life.

Pleaded guilty to sexual assault. Of previous good character, ashamed and embarrassed by his behaviour. Judge David Evans noted the offence was too serious for a suspended sentence and that the defendant must serve half of his sentence behind bars.

19 Mar 2026

David Sharpe

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment

David Sharpe, 58, of Okefield Road, Crediton, attacked his neighbour Nevin Hunter, a former Devon and Cornwall police officer, in his garden one morning in March 2025. Sharpe stood behind Hunter as he parked his car, punched him to the ground, and struck him approximately 20 times in around 60 seconds, shouting about being woken at 3am and 5am due to perceived radio frequency signals causing sleep deprivation and irrationality. The unprovoked assault left Hunter with a broken nose and a bruised and bloodied face.

Admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. Five-year restraining order imposed. Magistrates noted it was a persistent attack causing physical and psychological effects.

17 Mar 2026

Paul Lord

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Paul Lord, 45, from First Avenue, Dursley, Gloucestershire, was travelling to Devon with his family in a Range Rover when he crashed on the A30 near Sourton in August 2022. Police discovered a kilo of cocaine worth £80,000 in the boot, along with £1,000 in cash and a small bag of cannabis. He initially claimed the cocaine was for personal use, bought for £9,000 at a motorway service station, but later confessed to being a courier. He admitted using £200 of cocaine daily due to addiction.

Admitted possession with intent to supply. Judge accepted limited function in wider criminal operation. Prior convictions for drugs offences taken into account. Claimed addiction to cocaine.

15 Mar 2026

Paige Kightley

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

5 years and 7 months imprisonment

Paige Kightley, 31, from Lacey Avenue, Bideford, acted as the North Devon regional manager, receiving instructions from Christopher Harper and passing drugs to local suppliers like Karl Aldridge. She was in contact with Warren and facilitated distribution in Barnstaple and surrounding areas. Financial transfers were made from Aldridge to Kightley and onto Harper. On 16 April 2025, she was arrested at her home in Northam, Barnstaple, and found in possession of drug paraphernalia.

Entered guilty plea. North Devon regional manager. Claimed to merely pass drugs from one person to another.

13 Mar 2026

Stephen Reid

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

7 years and 5 months imprisonment

Stephen Reid, 52, from Liverpool, conspired with Christopher Harper to supply cocaine to Devon, facilitating collections by couriers including Neil Warren. He was in direct contact with Warren and met with Harper and Warren during trips to Liverpool. On 16 April 2025, he was arrested in Liverpool in possession of three phones used to arrange the supply of cocaine from Liverpool to Devon.

Entered guilty plea. Organiser.

13 Mar 2026

Joseph Jones

Manslaughter *

Sentence

3.5 years imprisonment

Joseph Jones, a 22-year-old Royal Marine from Chillington Lane, Codsall, Wolverhampton, punched Cemal John Yilmaz in an unprovoked attack on Church Street, Exmouth, on December 13, 2025, following a chance encounter while both were drinking. The punch caused catastrophic head injuries, leading to Yilmaz's death three days later at Derriford Hospital. Jones claimed he felt 'disrespected' after Yilmaz commented on his accent. Jones left the scene but surrendered at Exeter Police Station later that day.

Admitted manslaughter. The family expressed dismay at the length of the sentence. Drink-fuelled unprovoked attack.

13 Mar 2026

Christopher Harper

Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs *

Sentence

10 years and 5 months imprisonment

Christopher Harper, 46, of Goole, Yorkshire, organised the supply of cocaine from Liverpool to Devon, collecting drugs on 17 occasions between July 2024 and December 2024. He directed courier Neil Warren, communicated with Stephen Reid and Paige Kightley, and received payments via bank transfers. On 16 April 2025, he was arrested in Peterborough in possession of the phone used to arrange the supply. After Warren's arrest, Harper made multiple calls trying to locate him and monitored his court hearings.

Entered guilty plea. Organiser.

13 Mar 2026

Ben Richardson

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 80 hours unpaid work, alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days, 3 years driving ban

Ben Richardson, a 30-year-old holidaymaker from Blackberry Avenue, Wilnecote, Tamworth, was three times over the drink drive limit when he lost control of his car and ploughed into a stationary vehicle carrying a woman and two children at the junction of Colley End Road and King's Ash Road in Paignton, just after 4pm in June 2025. The car rolled onto its side, injuring his own passenger and causing extensive damage. He did not have a driving licence due to a previous drink drive offence and had twice failed to turn up to court.

Convicted of dangerous driving, drink driving, and driving without a licence. Previous drink drive offence and failure to appear in court.

11 Mar 2026

Callum Hawker

Stalking, ABH and assault *

Sentence

2 years and 8 months imprisonment

Callum Hawker, 29, a scaffolder from Wareham Road, Hawkchurch, could not accept the end of a four-year relationship and stalked his ex-partner for a month by tracking her movements and sending messages about her whereabouts. He threatened to kill her and her new boyfriend. On December 28, 2025, he climbed through an unlocked window into her house in Morebath on Exmoor, lay in wait, and ambushed the new boyfriend in the living room. Hawker punched and kicked the man in the face and head while he was on the ground, shouted abuse at his ex, and grabbed her by the neck, pushing her against a wall.

Admitted stalking, ABH and assault. Of previous good character. Has since been on a cocaine awareness course. Judge noted he could not accept the end of the relationship, involving eight separate stalking incidents, broke into the home and lay in wait, attacked both victims viciously. Six-year restraining order imposed.

9 Mar 2026

Michael Land

Rape *

Sentence

15 years imprisonment

Michael Land, a binman, was found guilty of two counts of rape and causing actual bodily harm (ABH) to a victim. He forced the victim to have sex despite her clearly stating she did not want to. The court heard he is violent and aggressive with no understanding of consent or rape, maintaining his innocence. He had a difficult childhood but is capable of being demanding and selfish.

Denied two charges of rape but found guilty by jury in January trial. Judge added 5 years on licence due to danger to public. Assessed as high risk of causing further serious harm. Placed on sex offender register for life. Must serve at least 10 years before parole consideration.

9 Mar 2026

Alexander Knight

Attempted sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

6 years and 3 months imprisonment

On 01/06/2023 at Ilfracombe, adult attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child. Also found guilty of other offences against Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Sexual Harm Prevention order for 10 years.

7 Mar 2026

Geoffrey Cave

Burglary *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

Between 20/12/2020 and 03/01/2021 at Wiltshire, burglary of a dwelling.

Pleaded guilty.

7 Mar 2026

Harry Cuniff

Assault by beating *

Sentence

6 months imprisonment, restraining order

On 12/04/2025 at Newton Abbot assaulted a female by beating.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

Harry Kiff

Concerned in the supply of heroin *

Sentence

Community order for 2 years, electronic tagging for 6 months

Between 01/12/2024 and 14/12/2024 at Taunton concerned in the supply of heroin.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

Jason Stent

Sexual assault *

Sentence

20 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, sex offenders register for 10 years

At Devon sexual assault on a female.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

Danny Morgan

Bringing cocaine into prison *

Sentence

3 years and 5 months imprisonment

On 30/12/2022 at HMP Exeter brought 13.64g of cocaine into prison. Plus other offences.

Pleaded guilty. Longest sentence in the list for using threats and taking drugs into prison.

6 Mar 2026

Leo Jewell

Burglary and robbery *

Sentence

Community order until 09/09/2028, alcohol treatment, rehabilitation activity

On 24/08/2024 at Exeter burglary of a dwelling and robbery.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

Sonny Boyes

Rape *

Sentence

17 years imprisonment

On March 9, 2025, Sonny Boyes, 19, of Commercial Road, Exeter, raped a 16-year-old girl in bushes near Digby & Sowton train station shortly before 9pm. After she fled, he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl waiting for a train by groping and molesting her on a bench and continuing the assault on the train despite her repeated refusals. He was forceful and persistent. The second victim reported the incident immediately, leading to his arrest at 10.20pm that evening in a McDonald's while under the influence of alcohol and ketamine. He stood trial in October 2025 and was convicted.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted by jury of two rapes, four assaults by penetration and three sexual assaults. Judge noted danger to public, requiring 7 years on extended licence. Placed on sex offender register for life and subject to sexual harm prevention order. Must serve two thirds before parole eligibility.

6 Mar 2026

Samuel Butterworth

Assault by beating *

Sentence

Community order for 18 months, rehabilitation programme for 26 days

On 17/11/2025 at The Panniers, Barnstaple, assaulted a female by beating.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

Shannon Smith-Orchard

Common assault and possession of a knife *

Sentence

160 days imprisonment

On 24/07/2025 at Factory Row common assault on a male. Also possession of a knife.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

William Charles

Perverting the course of justice *

Sentence

6 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

On 13/12/2024 at Tiverton committed an act with intent to pervert the course of justice by giving false details to police.

Pleaded guilty.

6 Mar 2026

Steven Rawlinson

Harassment and criminal damage *

Sentence

26 weeks imprisonment

Steven Rawlinson, 44, of no fixed address, began a campaign of harassment after his relationship ended in October 2025 while staying in an Airbnb in Babbacombe Road, Torquay. In a jealous rage, he smashed his partner's phone and threw it at her. After she ended the relationship, he made repeated attempts to contact her and, when unsuccessful, targeted her family. Between October 20 and November 1, 2025, he sent a barrage of messages and videos to her cousin, threatening to target her flat and 'light up' her mum's address, causing her to feel petrified. He also messaged her father, threatening arson and stating he knew his car and residence, and was prepared to serve more prison time. Rawlinson was under the influence of cocaine at the time.

Admitted two offences of harassment and one of criminal damage. Would walk free due to time already spent in custody. Restraining order imposed for five years. Prior convictions include GBH, harassment, and blackmail in 2024. Judge noted obsessive jealousy, desire for control and revenge.

4 Mar 2026

New Wave Marine Ltd

Breach of Health and Safety Regulations *

Sentence

£30,000 fine and £8,000 prosecution costs

On June 1, 2020, at the Willand Biogas site in Cullompton, New Wave Marine Ltd was contracted by Willand O&M Ltd to lift the lid off a biodigester and stir a crust blockage. During the work, a cherry picker operated by New Wave Marine struck an 11,000-volt overhead powerline, causing the electrical current to pass through the metal basket, fatally electrocuting Carl Parsons and seriously injuring colleague Luke Madavan. The company's risk assessment was inadequate, with no formal training or sufficient supervision provided.

Pleaded guilty to offences under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Risk assessment was neither suitable nor sufficient; lacked formal training provision and adequate supervision.

3 Mar 2026

Willand O&M Ltd

Breach of Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 *

Sentence

£51,000 fine and £28,467 prosecution costs

On June 1, 2020, at the Willand Biogas site in Cullompton, Willand O&M Ltd contracted New Wave Marine Ltd to lift the lid off a biodigester and stir a crust blockage. During the work, a cherry picker operated by New Wave Marine struck an 11,000-volt overhead powerline, causing the electrical current to pass through the metal basket, fatally electrocuting Carl Parsons and seriously injuring colleague Luke Madavan. Willand O&M had been advised by Western Power Distribution to relocate the powerline but failed to do so, and implemented no adequate control measures such as height restrictors.

Pleaded guilty to an offence under Regulation 3(1)(a) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 by virtue of Regulation 14, having failed to ensure that persons carrying out work at the site were not working on or near a live conductor without reasonable and suitable precautions in place to prevent injury. Poor supervision, monitoring, and site induction. Did not act on advice to relocate overhead powerline.

3 Mar 2026

Andrew Giles

Stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment

Andrew Giles, 54, of St John’s Road in Exeter, engaged in stalking behaviour over two months from September to November 2025. He uninvitedly attended the victim’s property on numerous occasions, starting with retrieving a parcel on September 11, where he made inappropriate comments about the victim’s breasts and his own underwear. He returned multiple times unannounced, sat outside the property, stared at the victim, and made strange comments. On November 9, he banged on the door in the early hours, shouting and hitting it. His escalating actions forced the victim to book an Airbnb out of fear. Doorbell footage captured apparent threats. He was arrested on November 12, breached bail conditions by returning the same day, and admitted in interview wanting to have sex with the victim, claiming he was in love and wanted to keep her safe.

Pleaded guilty to stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress. A restraining order was imposed to stop him from contacting the victim or attending the property. Described as a 'dangerous' individual whose behaviour accelerated at a concerning rate.

1 Mar 2026

February 2026 7 cases

Ahmed Abdellaoui

Actual Bodily Harm *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment

On April 11, 2025, just after 7.30pm, Ahmed Abdellaoui, a self-employed barber of Blackboy Road, launched an unprovoked attack on a man he knew in Gourmet Peri Peri takeaway in Sidwell Street, Exeter. CCTV showed him walking towards the exit before turning around and assaulting the victim who was waiting for a food order. Abdellaoui sat astride the victim and pummelled him for several minutes, saying 'I will kill him' in English and Arabic. The victim tried to defend himself but was taken to the ground. No witnesses intervened despite the takeaway being quiet. Abdellaoui initially lied to police claiming self-defence but admitted guilt after viewing CCTV, stating he did not regret it. He surrendered to police three days later. The victim suffered serious injuries including a facial fracture requiring surgery, significant swelling, and bite marks. He now fears going out alone, has lost work income, and fears for his life.

Pleaded guilty to ABH. Prior conviction for ABH in 2015. Judge James Patrick noted it was the most serious kind of ABH and questioned why it was not charged as GBH.

27 Feb 2026

Jacqueline Clark

Conspiring to supply cannabis *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Jacqueline Clark, 56, of Penny Meadow Road, Bridford, arrived at the Bridford address on May 1, 2020, during a police search. Her nearby home was searched, revealing more than a kilo of cannabis worth nearly £10,000 and two blocks of cannabis resin worth over £500. She was involved in the conspiracy to supply drugs into the region, linked to incidents between January 1, 2020, and May 1, 2020.

Pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cannabis and possession with intent to supply MDMA; convicted of conspiring to supply cocaine and possessing cannabis resin with intent to supply. Ordered to complete 15 rehabilitative activity days; other sentences concurrent.

27 Feb 2026

Ian Johnson

Conspiring to supply cannabis and possession of a prohibited weapon *

Sentence

1 year and 50 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 2 years

Ian Johnson, 53, of Cranesbill Way, Newton Abbot, arrived at a police search in Bridford on May 1, 2020, in possession of a fully operational .22 Colt Rimfire Revolver and 38 bullets. He was linked to a sophisticated cannabis grow operation and over a kilo of cocaine worth £84,560 found at the site. Additional ammunition and firearm parts were found at his home and business. He made false claims of receiving threatening messages to portray himself as pressured into involvement, including purchasing a phone to send a fake message in September 2023.

Convicted of conspiring to supply cannabis, possession of a prohibited weapon (.22 Colt Rimfire Revolver), two charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice (June 2020 and September 2023), and pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition for a firearm. Ordered to complete 30 rehabilitative activity days; other sentences concurrent.

27 Feb 2026

Dimitar Stiliyanov

Possession with intent to supply cocaine *

Sentence

2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Dimitar Stiliyanov, a 27-year-old former Bulgarian footballer, was dealing drugs from a Premier Inn hotel in Seaton, Devon. On November 22, suspicious hotel staff reported him to police for refusing to leave and suspected drug dealing. Police searched his room and found 107 bags of cocaine worth £4,280, £1,900 in cash, a grinder, phones, drug paraphernalia, cannabis, and lines of cocaine ready to snort. He was arrested while gambling on his laptop. Initially claimed the drugs were for personal use but admitted selling to pay off a gang debt incurred from gambling to fund healthcare in Bulgaria after health issues derailed his football career. He had a temporary tourist visa and associated with the wrong crowd in England.

Pleaded guilty. Former professional footballer who turned to drug dealing to pay off gambling debts after health problems. Defended by Rachel Smith.

26 Feb 2026

Ian Telfer

Sexual assault *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Ian Telfer assaulted three children in separate incidents a decade ago in Devon and other cities in England. He persuaded the girls to sit on his lap and then fondled and groped them over and under their clothing. When confronted, he denied wrongdoing. The victims, now adults, described ongoing trauma including fear, confusion, horror, and daily panic. He has prior convictions in Scotland in 2024 for similar offences spanning decades, receiving a three-year supervision order.

Found guilty by jury of four sexual assaults, three against children under 16. Defence argued low risk due to solitary life and poor health, requested suspended sentence. Judge noted profound psychological impact on victims despite his frailty.

26 Feb 2026

Gordon Chaplin

Stalking without fear *

Sentence

18-month community order and five-year restraining order

Gordon Chaplin, a 50-year-old military veteran from East Nymph farm, Spreyton, engaged in stalking without fear between July and September 2025. After a brief romance, the woman ended the relationship in July 2025 and returned his gifts. Chaplin then bombarded her with messages and unwanted gifts, continuing even after his arrest and bail. She used Clare's Law to check his background for domestic abuse history.

Admitted 'stalking without fear'. No previous convictions. Judge David Evans noted it was love bombing with nothing to do with genuine love and described it as an un-aggravated stalking offence. Restraining order bans him from a village in south Devon and any contact with the victim.

25 Feb 2026

Fernando Moise

Robbery *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, £500 compensation, 250 hours unpaid work

In September 2024, Fernando Moise, a 20-year-old student from Slade Road, Birmingham, entered the CeX shop in Newton Abbot town centre, which sells second-hand electronic goods. He asked to see an iPhone 15 valued at £1,250. When the shop worker showed him the phone, Moise grabbed it and ran off, tussling with the worker and pulling him into the counter but causing no serious injury. The phone was never recovered. Moise was arrested four months later at Birmingham Airport in January 2025. He told the court he was immature at the time, did it for money, but is now a father and more mature.

Represented himself in court. Admitted robbery. Judge noted difference between mistakes and stealing. Probation report considered impact on partner and child.

23 Feb 2026

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

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Senate Court, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1UG, Exeter, EX1 1UG, United Kingdom

+441392415300

www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About Exeter Crown Court

Exeter Crown Court, located in Exeter, is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 620 sentencing records in our database, it is one of the Crown Courts serving the Exeter area. Crown Courts sit with a judge and jury, and have the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

The court can be found at Senate Court, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1UG, EX1 1UG.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441392415300 or visit the official court website for further information.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

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Ahmed Abdellaoui

Jacqueline Clark

Ian Johnson

Dimitar Stiliyanov

Ian Telfer

Gordon Chaplin

Fernando Moise

About Exeter Crown Court

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Exeter- North & East Devon Magistrates Court

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