Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 127 verdicts at Exeter Crown Court (Exeter). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Matthew Hall

Rape

July 30, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment and lifelong registration on the sex offenders register

Matthew Hall, from Newton Abbot, raped two women while they slept in South Devon between 2019 and 2022. The attacks left the victims deeply affected, with one describing being haunted by his actions. He was portrayed as a dangerous sexual predator who prioritised his own desires over the victims' well-being, showing no regard for the lasting psychological impact.

Admitted two charges of rape and six further sexual counts. Described as a dangerous, manipulative, and predatory man. Victims reported being haunted by his actions, and a probation officer highlighted him as a risk to women.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

Jordan Hewitt

Rape

July 25, 2025

Sentence: 7.5 years imprisonment

Jordan Hewitt, 33, of Thorverton, is a rapist who changed his story multiple times in an attempt to escape justice. He was found guilty by a jury and sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Friday 25 July 2025.

Changed his story multiple times in a bid to escape justice. Previously found guilty by a jury.

Sources: news.devon-cornwall.police.uk

Richard Law

Manslaughter

July 24, 2025

Sentence: Hospital order

Richard Law, aged 68, of Lark Rise, Newton Poppleford, killed his 70-year-old sister Judith Law in East Devon and was given a hospital order.

Matthew Pitt

Burglary

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 32 weeks imprisonment and a 32-month driving ban

Matthew Pitt, 54, of no fixed abode, broke into the clubhouse at Dainton Park Golf Club in Newton Abbot on June 8, 2025. He rummaged through a jacket in the staff area, stole a pair of car keys, and took a Hyundai i20 from the car park. He was caught on CCTV snooping in a restricted area and was later arrested while sleeping in the stolen car. This incident occurred shortly after his release from prison for previous crimes.

Pitt pleaded guilty to the offenses. He has more than 170 previous crimes, including 94 for theft. Judge Anna Richardson noted his history of offending and that he was released from prison just three weeks before committing this crime.

Sources: devonlive.com

Liam Ashford

Assault causing actual bodily harm

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Liam Ashford, fuelled by cocaine and jealousy, kicked his pregnant girlfriend in the stomach after accusing her of cheating, causing her to fall and crawl away. He grabbed her wrist, took her phone, and continued the violence by grabbing her, blocking her path, pushing her against a wall, grabbing her throat until she struggled to breathe, punching her in the face, and stamping on her phone. This occurred in November 2023, and he was immediately apologetic but repeated the aggression the next morning when triggered by a barking dog.

Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, two counts of battery, and criminal damage. Has a history of violence against partners and ignoring court orders. Judge David Evans noted that he poses a clear risk to partners and has poor compliance with court orders.

Sources: devonlive.com

Jacob Archer

Intentional strangulation

July 23, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence, 300 hours of unpaid work, alcohol monitoring for 120 days, and £1,500 compensation

Jacob Archer became aggressive after watching a football match and smoking cannabis. He returned home and repeatedly grabbed his ex-partner around the throat, strangling her multiple times during the incident in July 2024. She tried to resist, sustained scratches to her chest and reddening to her neck, and later reported feeling de-humanised and anxious as a result of the relationship.

Pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation. Ashamed of his actions and has anger issues. Judge suggested family assistance with compensation.

Sources: devonlive.com

Katie Rockett

Stabbing

July 19, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Katie Rockett stabbed a man in the head with a Stanley knife during a violent clash outside Torquay Town Hall, after her boyfriend got into a fight with the victim, leading to a large police response and road closures.

Was suffering from poor mental health at the time and involved in a toxic relationship; the incident followed a fight involving her boyfriend.

Sources: devonlive.com

Shaun Harper

Harassment

July 19, 2025

Sentence: Prison for 32 weeks

Shaun Harper, 55, from Seaton, breached a criminal behaviour order issued in September 2024 by initiating a conversation with a woman while drunk, causing her alarm and distress. He was also convicted of harassment between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2025.

Pleaded guilty to harassment of a female without violence and two breaches of a criminal behaviour order. Magistrates noted his flagrant disregard for court orders.

Sources: devonlive.com

Muratt Ozgun

Attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming

July 17, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Muratt Ozgun engaged in online conversations on a dating site and WhatsApp with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl between March and May 2025. He sent explicit videos and images of himself, described sexual acts he intended to perform, bought underwear for her, arranged accommodation at a bed and breakfast, and provided a map for directions to meet at Torre Station in Torquay for sex. He was arrested upon arrival on May 10, 2025.

Admitted three offences. Judge Stephen Climie noted the offences were very serious and jail was in the public interest. Defence mentioned his limited English and isolated existence, and he felt tricked by the decoy.

Sources: devonlive.com

Alfie Curtis

Burglary

July 15, 2025

Sentence: 15 months in a young offenders institution

Alfie Curtis sneaked into a family's home in Exwick, Exeter, through the patio doors at around 2.50am in January 2024, while the occupants were asleep. He stole a handbag, keys, a games console, and drove away in their BMW car, which was later found in Stoke Canon. The victims were left terrified, fearing the intruder might return, and irreplaceable items like a baby scan photo were lost, causing significant emotional distress. The family moved due to ongoing anxiety, and Curtis was identified through a DNA match on the stolen bag.

Pleaded guilty to burglary. Has a long list of previous convictions. Judge Stephen Climie noted his difficult background but emphasised the public interest in immediate custody, stating that remorse was not shown at the earliest opportunity.

Sources: devonlive.com

Christopher De Burton

Sexual offences against a child

July 13, 2025

Sentence: 19 years imprisonment

Christopher De Burton, a 67-year-old man from Thurlow Road, Torquay, committed multiple sexual offences against a young girl, as detailed in the case.

Committed a catalogue of sexual offences against a young girl. Given an extra three years on extended licence due to the depravity of his crimes and the danger he poses to children. Must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was given a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: devonlive.com

Michael Dickinson

Rape of a child

July 13, 2025

Sentence: 17 years imprisonment

Michael Dickinson, a 67-year-old man from Abbey Road, Torquay, raped a child and committed other sexual offences, including inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

Pleaded guilty to two charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Convicted of two charges of rape of a child under 13 following a trial in December. Must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was given a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, plus an extra year on extended licence.

Sources: devonlive.com

Luke Thomas

Voyeurism and possession of indecent images

July 13, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 2 months imprisonment

Luke Thomas, a 37-year-old man from Totnes Road, Paignton, secretly filmed teens using a hidden camera and shared obscene messages with other paedophiles. He possessed indecent photos of children and published obscene articles in chat forums.

Pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity to charges including voyeurism and possessing indecent images. Expressed shame, describing it as the worst thing he has ever done. Used protected storage and apps like Telegram and TeleGuard.

Sources: devonlive.com

Wade Robinson

Child abuse and possession of indecent images

July 13, 2025

Sentence: 8.5 years imprisonment

Wade Robinson, a 31-year-old man, abused a young girl and possessed hundreds of images of child sex abuse. Police linked him to an online account after an image was uploaded to a website and executed a warrant at an address in Exeter in 2022, where he attempted to escape.

Abused a young girl and possessed hundreds of images of child sex abuse. Tried to flee from police by jumping out of a window. Must serve an extra three-and-a-half years on licence due to the danger he poses to children. Refused to attend court for sentencing.

Sources: devonlive.com

Marlon Jenkins

Stalking

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Fine £256

Marlon Jenkins, 40, from c/o Dukes Road, Budleigh Salterton, stalked a female by sending unwanted messages and attending her address unannounced between June 6, 2024, and August 29, 2024.

Pleaded guilty to stalking a female without fear of violence by harassing with unwanted messages and attending her address unannounced between June 6, 2024, and August 29, 2024, at Budleigh Salterton. A restraining order was imposed for 12 months.

Sources: devonlive.com

Michael Rowse

Assault

July 11, 2025

Sentence: 11 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order

Michael Rowse was involved in a 2022 incident where he was a stab victim but assaulted emergency workers by deliberately spattering them with his blood after officers treated his wounds in Torquay's Market Street. He threw off towels used to wrap his injuries, covering one officer's chest, face, forehead, and arms, and two others' faces, necessitating blood tests for potential diseases. Separately, he committed domestic violence offences against a woman in Exeter, including biting her as she tried to grab her phone and smashing a plastic glass on her head, which left her with a cut requiring hospital treatment and two black eyes. The victim reported suffering mentally and having given him many chances.

Pleaded guilty to offences. Had a deferred sentence in October 2024 and was told to stay out of trouble. Defending counsel noted he is now clean and sober and willing to change. He has spent some time in custody and has previous convictions for GBH and battery.

Sources: devonlive.com

Charlie Lenarduzzi

Sexual assault

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Community order for 11 months

Charlie Lenarduzzi, 20, from Coldridge, sexually assaulted a woman by touching at North Tawton.

Pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman by touching at North Tawton. Ordered to complete a programme requirement for 26 days and fined £461.

Sources: devonlive.com

Buitumelo Rantsi

Breach of non-molestation order

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Community order for 12 months

Buitumelo Rantsi, 39, from New North Road, Exeter, failed to surrender to bail on April 23, 2025, and breached a non-molestation order on three occasions.

Pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to bail on April 23, 2025, and three breaches of a non-molestation order on various dates. Ordered to complete unpaid work for 80 hours.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ciara Lewis

Breach of criminal behaviour order

July 11, 2025

Sentence: Prison for 20 weeks

Ciara Lewis, 35, from Howell Road, Exeter, breached a criminal behaviour order and assaulted police officers on May 3, 2025, in Fore Street, Exeter, by drinking and swearing in public.

Pleaded guilty to breaching a criminal behaviour order by drinking and swearing in a public place on Fore Street, Exeter, and assaults on police on May 3, 2025.

Sources: devonlive.com

Andrew Howitt

Assault

July 10, 2025

Sentence: Prison for 22 weeks

Andrew Howitt, 39, from Arrowfield Road, Exeter, committed two common assaults on a female and one assault by beating a male on April 3, 2024, and failed to provide a specimen.

Pleaded guilty to two common assaults on a female and one assault by beating a male, plus failing to provide a specimen. Ordered to pay compensation of £300 and disqualified for three years and 77 days.

Sources: devonlive.com

Aiden Risozli

Driving while disqualified

July 10, 2025

Sentence: Prison for 26 weeks

Aiden Risozli, 48, from Adeline Road, Bournemouth, drove while disqualified and failed to provide a specimen on May 15, 2025, at Clyst St Mary.

Pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and failing to provide a specimen on May 15, 2025, at Clyst St Mary.

Sources: devonlive.com

Lee Dean

Theft

July 10, 2025

Sentence: Prison for 28 weeks

Lee Dean, 50, committed seven thefts of items worth £2,959 from TK Maxx and John Lewis in Exeter on various dates.

Pleaded guilty to seven offences of stealing items from TK Maxx and John Lewis totalling £2,959 on various dates in Exeter. Ordered to pay compensation of £650.

Sources: devonlive.com

Dylan Roy

Assault causing actual bodily harm

July 7, 2025

Sentence: 18 months community order, 25 days rehabilitation work, and £100 compensation

Dylan Roy was at the centre of a mass brawl involving up to 20 people in Church Walk, Barnstaple, in May 2022. During the incident, he assaulted a female police officer, causing actual bodily harm that required stitches to her lip, just days before her wedding. He escaped lawful custody but was later re-arrested. Additionally, in September 2023, he was stopped at Exeter St David's Station while carrying cocaine, cannabis, 298 tablets of phenazepam, and a knife, which he claimed was for farm work.

Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault, escaping lawful custody, and drug possession charges. The defendant had a difficult childhood, ADHD, and complex PTSD, with his father introducing him to drugs and criminal behaviour early in life.

Sources: devonlive.com

Lee Ingledew

Assault

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order with alcohol treatment

On 08/08/2024 at Tiverton, Lee Ingledew assaulted a female by beating.

Jack Gouldbough

Assault

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 16 weeks imprisonment

On 21/01/2025 at B&M Tiverton, Jack Gouldbough assaulted a male by beating, committed theft, and criminal damage.

Adrian Bryant

Assault

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order with 80 hours of unpaid work

On 27/09/2024 at Guildhall Exeter, Adrian Bryant assaulted a female by beating.

Andrew Kay

Drink driving

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 24 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months with alcohol abstinence, 200 hours of unpaid work, and driving disqualification for 48 months

On 07/01/2025 at Cowley Bridge Road, Exeter, Andrew Kay drove while disqualified, under the influence of alcohol, and without insurance.

Pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, drink driving, and driving without insurance.

Sources: devonlive.com

Chloe Goodes

Shoplifting

July 5, 2025

Sentence: 52 weeks imprisonment

On 28/02/2025 at Exeter, Chloe Goodes stole multiple items from Co-op and committed 16 further shoplifting offences at stores including Boots, John Lewis, Guildhall, and Gadget Verse, along with failure to surrender and assaulting a female by beating.

Pleaded guilty to shoplifting multiple items from various stores and assaulting a female by beating. Flagrant disregard for court orders.

Sources: devonlive.com

Luke Shergold

Assault

July 5, 2025

Sentence: Fine of £80

On 05/03/2025 at Exeter bus station, Luke Shergold assaulted an officer with intent to resist arrest.

Philip Liley

Operating a waste depositing facility without environmental permit

July 3, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and 300 hours of unpaid work

Philip Liley, as director of Sweeper Hire and Hoses Ltd, leased land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Newton Abbot, Devon, and illegally stored and deposited thousands of tonnes of construction waste without an environmental permit. This activity caused pollution of a tributary of the River Bovey, including a pipe discharging grey-brown liquid and runoff from the site, occurring between September 2021 and September 2023.

Pleaded guilty to operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit. Resigned as director on March 1, 2023.

Sources: devonlive.com

Diesel Gaskell

Breach of Sexual Offences Prevention Order

July 2, 2025

Sentence: Suspended sentence of 20 months, 40 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation days

Diesel Gaskell, previously convicted of three child abuse offences in 2021, breached his Sexual Offences Prevention Order by possessing two undeclared mobile phones and creating eight social media profiles using false details, including incorrect date of birth, name, and image. Police visited his address in Torquay in April 2025 based on intelligence, arrested him after he refused a search, and found the devices under his duvet. He initially lied about owning the phones but later admitted the breach.

Admitted charge of breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Judge Stephen Climie noted that he chose to ignore and deliberately breach the order. Defence stated he used the phones to feel normal, and examination showed no concerning behaviour.

Sources: devonlive.com

Edward Dunn

Failing to ensure animal welfare

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 10-year ban from keeping cattle, sheep, and pigs and ordered to pay more than £3,000 in costs

At Underdown Farm and East Barton Farm, animals were left in poor conditions between 2023 and 2025, including lame cows untreated, vulnerable calves surrounded by rubbish and broken items, livestock without shelter, food, or water, and a cow found soaking wet, shivering in pain, and unable to stand. Dead cattle were found in areas accessible to livestock, increasing disease risk, and advice from officials was ignored.

Pleaded guilty to ten charges of failing to ensure the welfare of animals. Judge noted that the defendants were overwhelmed and disorganised, with repeated failures to act on advice, but no intent to cause harm.

Sources: devonlive.com

Rosamund Dunn

Failing to ensure animal welfare

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 10-year ban from keeping cattle, sheep, and pigs and ordered to pay more than £3,000 in costs

Sources: devonlive.com

William Dunn

Causing unnecessary suffering to animals

July 1, 2025

Sentence: 10-year ban from keeping cattle, sheep, and pigs and ordered to pay more than £3,000 in costs

At Underdown Farm and East Barton Farm, animals were left in poor conditions between 2023 and 2025, including lame cows untreated, vulnerable calves surrounded by rubbish and broken items, livestock without shelter, food, or water, and a cow found soaking wet, shivering in pain, and unable to stand. A baby calf was found unresponsive and died without treatment, and other animals suffered injuries without veterinary care.

Pleaded guilty to 24 offences, including six of causing an animal to suffer unnecessarily. Judge noted that the defendants were overwhelmed and disorganised, with repeated failures to act on advice, but no intent to cause harm.

Sources: devonlive.com

Steven Mcmahon

Wounding with Intent

June 30, 2025

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

Steven McMahon, 41, accused his friend of making a pass at his girlfriend and attacked him in his supported living accommodation in Seaton. He armed himself with two knives, jumped on the victim's bed, held a knife to the victim's throat, and stabbed him once in the back, causing a 4cm cut that required four stitches. He also threatened the victim's partner, demanding money and drugs, before being fought off and disarmed. The victim and McMahon had known each other for 20 years, and the incident occurred the morning after the accusation.

Pleaded not guilty and was found guilty in his absence. Has a history of violence, mental health issues including paranoia, and 57 previous offences. Judge noted the offences were serious and he was lucky not to have killed somebody.

Sources: devonlive.com

Jake Nathan Marshall

Child cruelty

June 24, 2025

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment

Jake Nathan Marshall assaulted a four-year-old child in July 2023, causing significant bruising to the child's face through a deliberate attack involving significant force, possibly using a shod foot as a weapon. He was entrusted to look after the child but lied about the injuries. The incident was captured in images, and he was convicted by a jury at Truro Crown Court before being sentenced.

The defendant had alcohol and mental health issues, including drinking ten bottles of wine a day and suffering from anxiety and depression. He lied about the incident and had no previous convictions. Judge David Evans noted it was a one-off incident of violence and imposed a three-year restraining order.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Nathan Ballard

Wounding with intent

June 20, 2025

Sentence: Extended sentence of eight years (six years imprisonment and two years extension)

Nathan Ballard, a 30-year-old from Exeter, was intoxicated on alcohol and Valium when he had an argument with his girlfriend and left home intending to stab people. In November 2022, he attacked a stranger outside the victim's home in North Lawn Court, Exeter, using a hunting knife. The victim sustained life-changing wounds to the chest and arm, requiring emergency surgery, and now lives as a hermit due to the injuries, which have affected his ability to work as a tiler and painter and decorator. The blood from the wounds flowed like a river down the road.

Admitted to wounding with intent. Had a previous conviction for a similar incident in 2018. The judge described it as an unprovoked attack on a stranger while the defendant was intoxicated on alcohol and Valium.

Sources: devonlive.com

David Fuller

Sexual activity with a child

June 18, 2025

Sentence: two years and three months imprisonment

David Fuller, 64, of Church Lane, Broadclyst, Exeter, abused a girl in 2023 by engaging in sexual activity with her. He bought her gifts, including jewellery, to keep the abuse secret and instructed her to hide them from her family. The abuse was discovered when the victim showed her mother a diary on her phone detailing the incidents, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

Convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child. Found not guilty of one count of sexual assault by penetration. Must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and is subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Sources: devonlive.com

Kareem Andes

Intentional Strangulation

June 15, 2025

Sentence: 22 months imprisonment

Kareem Andes lost his temper after a night out with his partner, threatened to kill her, grabbed her from behind, and held her around the throat, causing her to nearly pass out and drop to the floor.

Admitted intentional strangulation. Initially claimed he was reaching for his keys and had no intent to restrict her airways, but later expressed profound shame for his actions.

Sources: devonlive.com

Liam Blake

Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm

June 15, 2025

Sentence: Two years and three months imprisonment

Liam Blake ambushed his partner in her car by lunging at her from behind, biting her on the face and leaving her with bleeding wounds and permanent scarring.

Admitted two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm. Described as having a worrying attitude towards violence in relationships, with control issues and a high risk of reoffending.

Sources: devonlive.com

Sean Gonnelly

Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)

June 15, 2025

Sentence: Two years imprisonment

Sean Gonnelly repeatedly assaulted his partner while drunk, engaging in a spree of offending that included battery, criminal damage, dangerous driving, and other acts, making her life a misery through attention-seeking and manipulative behaviour.

Jailed for offences including battery, criminal damage, dangerous driving, drink driving, actual bodily harm (ABH), and taking a vehicle without consent. Described as behaving like an oversized toddler when drunk and making his girlfriend's life miserable with controlling behaviour.

Sources: devonlive.com

Philip Lock

Causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)

June 15, 2025

Sentence: Four years and one month imprisonment

Philip Lock assaulted his partner during a chaotic and violent journey home from a holiday in Torquay, biting through her ear, leaving her with a broken nose, and abandoning her injured in a ditch by the roadside after a drinking binge.

Pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm (GBH). Has a history of violence against the woman.

Sources: devonlive.com

Charles Kirkby

Sexual Assault

June 13, 2025

Sentence: two and a half years imprisonment

Charles Kirkby, a 39-year-old man from Church Road in St Thomas, Exeter, carried out a drunken sexual assault on a girl. He placed his hand on her leg, touched her over her underwear, and attempted to grope her breasts while saying 'Do you want it?'. The victim managed to flee and seek help. Police found that Kirkby had been viewing porn on his phone before and after the incident, indicating an extensive interest in it. The victim stated she feels overwhelmed, dead, and empty inside, and the experience has left her traumatised.

Pleaded guilty to two offences of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. The judge described the victim's experience as a 'hideous experience' and noted that Kirkby was remorseful. He must sign the sex offender register for life and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

Sources: devonlive.com

Dean Holmes

Burglary

June 9, 2025

Sentence: 8 months imprisonment

On 09/03/2025 at Exeter, Dean Holmes possessed a kitchen knife in a public place. On 24/10/2023 at Crediton, he committed burglary at The Technology Shop, stealing equipment valued at £3,061.

Kruze Howard

Breach of restraining order

June 6, 2025

Sentence: 10 months imprisonment

Between 02/06/2025 and 05/06/2025 at Exeter, Kruze Howard contacted a female in breach of a restraining order, along with three further breaches of the order.

Pleaded guilty to contacting a female in breach of a restraining order and three further breaches.

Sources: devonlive.com

Stephen Wills

Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and possession of a prohibited firearm

June 5, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Between 2019 and 2020, Stephen Wills played a key role in two organised crime groups that trafficked tens of thousands of pounds' worth of cocaine and cannabis from a foreign crime group in London to dealers in Exeter, Plymouth, Bristol, Penzance, and Torquay. He used a rented farmhouse near Exeter, where he lived with his family, to store, package cocaine, and produce cannabis. Police arrested him on May 1, 2020, after stopping his vehicle, and subsequently found several firearms, ammunition, and over a quarter of a kilogram of cocaine with a wholesale value exceeding £46,000 at the property.

Sentence increased from nine years under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme following intervention by the Solicitor General. He had 33 previous convictions, including firearm offences, and was prohibited from possessing firearms in 2018.

Sources: devonlive.com

Misty Whitehouse

Violent Disorder

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment suspended for two years and a four-month night time curfew

Misty Whitehouse was part of a 10-strong gang that travelled hundreds of miles to Lady's Mile holiday park in Dawlish, armed with poles, a knife, and a brick in a sock, due to a feud in the Traveller community. They broke into a caravan intending to attack Barbara Rooney, but when she escaped, they severely beat her sister, causing injuries including a blood clot to the forehead and extensive bruising. The victim feared for her life and received death threats afterwards.

Admitted violent disorder. Has no history of violence, was the youngest in the group, and has caring responsibilities as a mum-of-four. Has stayed out of trouble for over five years.

Sources: devonlive.com

Mary Delaney

Violent Disorder

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment suspended for two years and 150 hours of unpaid work

Mary Delaney was part of a 10-strong gang that travelled hundreds of miles to Lady's Mile holiday park in Dawlish, armed with poles, a knife, and a brick in a sock, due to a feud in the Traveller community. They broke into a caravan intending to attack Barbara Rooney, but when she escaped, they severely beat her sister, causing injuries including a blood clot to the forehead and extensive bruising. The victim feared for her life and received death threats afterwards.

Admitted violent disorder. Has three previous convictions for violence and caring responsibilities as a mum-of-eight. Not the ringleader and helped end the violence.

Sources: devonlive.com

James Dawson

Threatening behaviour

June 4, 2025

Sentence: 45 weeks imprisonment

On 03/06/2025 at Exeter Fore Street, James Dawson used threatening or insulting words or behaviour with intent, and the offence was racially aggravated. He also possessed a pointed article, namely an adapted tweezer set, committed criminal damage at the police station, and carried out seven thefts from Marks & Spencer.

Pleaded guilty to using threatening or insulting words or behaviour with intent (racially aggravated), possessing a pointed article, criminal damage at the police station, and seven thefts from Marks & Spencer.

Sources: devonlive.com