Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 339 verdicts at Exeter Crown Court (Exeter). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Jack John Reilly

Coercion to commit crime (Slavery and Trafficking Risk)

December 20, 2025

Sentence: Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order until 2030

Intelligence suggested that 22-year-old Jack John Reilly, formerly of Paignton, was seeking to coerce others, particularly children, to commit crime, leading to physical and psychological harm. The order was secured following a hearing based on evidence of risk of committing a slavery or human trafficking offence under section 23 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It excludes him from entering areas including Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, and Dawlish, and imposes strict conditions on social media use and child contact.

Order restricts travel to parts of south Devon, access to social media including Snapchat, contact with children, and requires notification of name/address changes and access to mobile phones. Breaching the order could result in up to 5 years imprisonment. Issued under Modern Slavery Act 2015 to prevent coercion of children into crime and protect from harm.

Sources: devonlive.com

Liam Young

Harassment

December 18, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Liam Young, 25, from Plymouth and Paignton, subjected multiple victims to relentless abuse, threats of rape and killing, and violence over more than a year in Torbay and Plymouth. He met victims via Grindr and Gumtree, bombarding them with hundreds of messages, including graphic threats like slitting throats and stabbing. In January 2023, he assaulted a man at Copthorne Hotel in Plymouth, punching him 10-11 times and biting his shoulder after an argument. He committed two minor sexual assaults by kissing one man and grabbing another's bottom. Young offered £1,000 to one victim to avoid police and begged another not to report him. Victims described him as 'evil' and their lives as a misery due to constant harassment, including 20-40 calls per day, some involving masturbation.

Pleaded guilty to nine offences of harassment, one of sending malicious communications, one of perverting the course of justice, two sexual assaults, criminal damage and assault causing actual bodily harm. Judge Stephen Climie noted no justification for the distress caused by persistent behaviour. Mentally immature as per medical reports. Given a lifelong restraining order not to contact victims and banned from visiting crime locations.

Sources: devonlive.com

Penny Ansell

Drink driving

December 16, 2025

Sentence: 4-month community order with 120-day alcohol abstinence order, 2.5-year driving ban, £300 fine

On an evening in March 2025, Penny Ansell drove erratically in her black Skoda with lights off, swerving across the road at around 20mph on a 60mph road near Willand. She collided with a bollard, struck the kerb and hedgerow, and drove onto the opposite side of the road, forcing other drivers and a bus to swerve. A following driver contacted police and approached her at her home in Somerlea, Willand, where she was heard chuckling to herself. Police found a bottle of vodka in the vehicle. She was arrested and blew 117mg of alcohol in her breath, over three times the legal limit of 35mg.

No previous convictions. Admitted drink driving. Used alcohol to self-medicate for health issues and is mortified by the conviction.

Sources: devonlive.com

Samuel Rodriques

Assault on police

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 10 weeks imprisonment

On 03/06/2025 at Exeter, Samuel Rodriques, aged 56 from Prospect Place, Exeter, assaulted a police constable by beating her.

Bobby Cox

Assault on police

December 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 weeks imprisonment

On 27/08/2025 at Exeter police station, Bobby Cox, aged 31 from King William Street, Exeter, assaulted a police constable in execution of his duty and interfered with a vehicle.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting a police constable in execution of his duty and vehicle interference.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ian Harwood

Assault on police

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 26 weeks imprisonment

On 11/10/2025 at Exeter custody, Ian Harwood, aged 30 from Colaton Raleigh, assaulted a police constable by beating her and resisted an officer.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting police constable by beating her and resisting an officer. Compensation £600.

Sources: devonlive.com

Karl Phillips

Stalking causing fear, ABH and burglary with intent to inflict GBH

December 10, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 9 months imprisonment

Karl Phillips, 41, of Grosvenor Avenue, Torquay, stalked his estranged wife after their 19-year marriage ended, becoming obsessive and paranoid. He sent threatening messages, threatened self-harm, rummaged through her belongings, confronted her at work, installed a tracker in her car, and followed her. In August 2025, he stormed into a property with his two teenage sons, punched and kicked the victim (her new partner) to the ground, smashed a dinner plate on his head, and encouraged his sons to get involved while telling them to hold their mother back. He warned 'This isn't over yet' before leaving. The victim suffered extensive bruising and cuts requiring hospital treatment. His ex-wife reported constant fear, nightmares, and feeling on edge.

Pleaded guilty to stalking causing fear, ABH and burglary with intent to inflict GBH. Described as a hard-working family man who couldn't accept the end of his 19-year marriage. Defence argued it was 'five minutes of madness' and requested a suspended sentence. Recorder Anna Vigars KC noted possessive and obsessive behaviour, planned attack, and involvement of his sons.

Sources: devonlive.com

Richard Panniers

Inciting a child to sexual activity

December 9, 2025

Sentence: 12 years imprisonment plus 4 years on licence

Richard Panniers, 45, from Totnes, contacted an 11-year-old girl in the United States through the gaming app Rec Room. He incited her to perform degrading sexual acts, including bestiality and activity with a younger sibling, while watching online from his flat. He referred to himself as 'Master' and 'Daddy' and expressed intent to rape her. Devices seized on 7 May 2025 contained a large collection of child sexual abuse material accumulated over years. Investigation involved Devon and Cornwall Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team and collaboration with US Homeland Security to identify and safeguard victims.

Sentenced by Recorder Anna Vigars KC. Judge praised detectives for their distressing work in viewing child abuse material. Plea not specified.

Sources: devonlive.com

Paul Rudkin

Possessing cocaine and amphetamine with intent to supply and offering to supply cocaine

December 8, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years and £1,000 fine

Paul Rudkin, a 44-year-old mobile drug dealer, was caught operating from his van in Sainsbury's car park at Penn Inn, Newton Abbot, Devon. Police were tipped off and found him selling items, with drug paraphernalia, class A drugs (cocaine and amphetamine), four mobile phones, and £605 in cash in the van. Bulk messages had been sent out, and he was trying to make significant financial gain to pay off £2,000 drug debts. The offences occurred between June and October 2022. He was arrested in Newton Abbot in 2022.

Pleaded guilty. Judge David Evans noted drugs had ravaged his life. He was trying to turn his life around, kick the drug habit, and was suffering from ill health. Living in the van at the time. Committed other offences since arrest.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

Kieran Mccoll

Dangerous driving and driving while disqualified

December 8, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 4 year driving ban, £2,500 compensation

Kieran McColl, 22, of Hele Road, Torquay, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa with two young female passengers on St Marychurch Road, Newton Abbot, one evening in October 2024. Despite their pleas to slow down, he accelerated to nearly 100mph on a 60mph rural road, turned up the radio, overtook a learner driver, and crashed into an oncoming car. Both vehicles overturned, and the other driver, a 60-year-old care worker, required hospital treatment. McColl initially blamed another person but admitted the offences.

Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. Had prior ban for drug driving. Barrister stated he caved into pressure from passenger. Judge Stephen Climie imposed sentence.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

Benjamin Holtom

Wounding with intent

December 8, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Benjamin Holtom, 44, of Braddons Hill Road East, Torquay, launched a ferocious machete attack on an unknown victim in Castle Road, Torquay, in the early hours of February 5, 2025. The victim was out with friends when Holtom exited a car, threatened to kill him, and struck him multiple times on the head with a large blade, as captured on CCTV. The victim suffered three large knife wounds to his head and multiple bruises, and still has nightmares about being 'chopped up'. The attack may have been related to an attempted cannabis purchase. Holtom was identified via CCTV.

Admitted wounding with intent. Mentally ill, convicted killer from 2003 manslaughter by diminished responsibility. Prior 45 crimes including robbery. Released from life sentence in 2020. Attack due to medication shortage, drink and drugs; significant mitigation applied.

Sources: devonlive.com

Joseph Bowden

Wounding

December 7, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Joseph Bowden and Seamus Shannon, after drinking alcohol, went to the victim's home on Tor Hill Road on May 11, 2025. The victim, a 5ft 4in man wearing glasses and a leg brace from a previous car accident, let them in. Bowden, appearing paranoid and convinced people were talking behind his back, accused the victim of lying and launched an unprovoked attack. He pinned the victim to the sofa, held a large kitchen knife to his throat, threatened to kill him, punched him in the face, kicked him in the ribs while on the ground, and sliced his head with the knife, causing blood to spurt. The flat was left covered in blood, and the victim required hospital treatment for a head wound. They fled but were arrested that evening, with DNA from a vape left at the scene matching theirs. Bowden is from Dorchester Road, Torquay.

Ringleader in the assault. Pleaded guilty to wounding. Has 38 prior offences, many for violence. Expressed remorse and stated he was drunk.

Sources: devonlive.com

Seamus Shannon

Wounding

December 7, 2025

Sentence: 21 months imprisonment

Joseph Bowden and Seamus Shannon, after drinking alcohol, went to the victim's home on Tor Hill Road on May 11, 2025. The victim, a 5ft 4in man wearing glasses and a leg brace from a previous car accident, let them in. Bowden started an argument, but Shannon participated by headbutting the victim and holding him by the throat while Bowden used a large kitchen knife from a drawer to threaten and wound him. The attack involved punching, kicking, and slicing the victim's head, leaving the flat covered in blood. The victim required hospital treatment. They fled but were arrested that evening, with DNA from a vape left at the scene matching theirs. Shannon is from Barton Road.

Pleaded guilty to wounding. Has fewer prior convictions than Bowden. Accepted his part in the violence. Judge James Patrick described the attack as 'particularly distressing, upsetting and scary'.

Sources: devonlive.com

Danny Hawkins

Shoplifting

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Danny Hawkins, 33, from Barnstaple, committed a stealing spree between May and September 2025, targeting multiple shops and bars including Boots, Betfred, Outcasts charity shop, Tesco, Saltrock, B&M, The Watergate pub, McDonald's, Go Outdoors, and Queen Anne's Cafe. He stole cash, clothes, charity boxes, fragrances, Lego boxes worth £1,235, North Face and Berghaus jackets, a bicycle, and a mobile phone. He also caused criminal damage to Queen Anne's Cafe and was found in possession of a Stanley-type lock knife upon arrest. Several premises banned him due to his nuisance behaviour. The rampage began in May with looting from a shed and stealing from a charity shop. In June, he stole from Boots and was arrested. While on bail, he damaged the cafe in August and stole charity boxes from various premises. In September, he stole from B&M and Go Outdoors, and the bicycle from Barbican Road.

Admitted multiple shoplifting charges. Judge James Patrick described offences as 'despicable' and 'mean'. Has 108 previous crimes, many for theft. Criminal behaviour order imposed for 8 years banning drinking and drug taking in public. Will serve 40% of sentence in prison. Defence noted spiral of drug use and criminality while living rough.

Sources: devonlive.com

Toby Carter

Causing death by dangerous driving

December 4, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 4 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 5 years

In October 2023, Toby Carter, 23, of Babbacombe Road, Torquay, was driving a VW Golf downhill on the A380 Hamelin Way towards Kerswell Gardens when he drove erratically, aggressively tailgating another vehicle and attempting to undertake, only to realise there was another car in that lane. He swerved to avoid collision, lost control, veered violently from lane one into lane two, crashed over the central reservation at speed, barrel-rolled onto the opposite side of the carriageway, and collided with an oncoming vehicle driven by Craig Jupe, 40, who suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene. Carter and his front-seat passenger suffered minor injuries; Jupe's passenger also sustained minor injuries.

Kenechukwu Oduah

Blackmail

December 3, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Kenechukwu Oduah, a carer from Parkers Road, Starcross, had an affair with a woman that lasted several months. When the relationship ended, he reacted badly and demanded £1,250, threatening to send intimate photos to her partner unless she paid. The victim initially believed it was a bluff as she had not consented to the photos, but after he provided proof, she sent the money. Oduah initially returned it, apologizing, but then demanded double the amount. After receiving £2,500, he sent over 60 intimate photos, taken without permission, to her partner. His threatening messages included warnings about his 'network' and making it 'messy'. The victim suffered severe anxiety as a result. Oduah made no comment when arrested but pleaded guilty at court.

Pleaded guilty to blackmail and sharing intimate photos. Judge James Patrick noted the offences were too serious for anything other than prison, despite the defendant being of previous good character and a hard-working family man. Mitigating counsel suggested a community order, but the judge stated prison was the only option due to the maximum distress caused to the victim.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ellis Mace

Sexual activity with a child

December 1, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

Ellis Mace, aged 27, engaged in penetrative sexual activity with a child on more than one occasion. The offences involved consensual sexual intercourse but with a significant age disparity between Mace and the victim. He was arrested in 2024 and admitted the offences. The defendant, formerly of Bideford and now of Clive Road, Oxford, was described as a hard-working man who regrets his behaviour and takes full responsibility.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child. Of previous good character. Will serve half in custody and half on licence. Registered sex offender subject to notification provisions.

Sources: devonlive.com

Giulio Reay

Assault

November 29, 2025

Sentence: 10 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months

On 30/07/2025 at High Street, Exeter assaulted a male by beating.

Dean Hayes

Assault on police officer

November 29, 2025

Sentence: 46 weeks imprisonment

On 22/11/2025 at Exeter assaulted a police officer in the execution of duty.

Compensation £100. Unprovoked and serious nature of the attack. Also convicted of possessing a knife in public, shoplifting, and possessing cocaine.

Sources: devonlive.com

John Brogan

Vehicle interference

November 29, 2025

Sentence: 14 weeks imprisonment

On 24/10/2025 at Trinity Hill Road Uplyme interfered with a motor vehicle and endangered a road user.

Shane Hunt

Assault

November 29, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months

On 05/01/2025 at Exeter assaulted a male by beating. Possessed an offensive weapon (baton) in public on Trafalgar Road and committed criminal damage.

Neil Omari-Cole

Burglary

November 29, 2025

Sentence: 22 weeks imprisonment

On 13/05/2025 at Harefield Close, jointly with another, committed burglary of an outbuilding stealing two guitars and a computer.

Troy Johnson

Theft

November 29, 2025

Sentence: £80 fine

On 01/10/2025 at M&S Exe Bridge stole vodka and obstructed a police officer.

William Roast

Racially aggravated harassment

November 29, 2025

Sentence: Community order for 12 months

On 10/09/2025 at Exeter committed racially aggravated harassment causing alarm or distress with intent to a police officer. Assaulted a female by beating.

William Stephenson

Supply of cocaine

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 18-month community order with 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement

William Stephenson, 68, of Hartopp Road in Exmouth, admitted drug supply offences dating back to 2022 involving £1,700 worth of cocaine. He is trapped in a cycle of cocaine addiction, living in an uninhabitable council flat with collapsed ceiling, COPD, and emphysema. His address is a known drugs den, leading to regular contact with users and a recent violent attack by Lee Dean and Dean Holmes, resulting in four broken ribs and a punctured lung requiring hospital treatment.

Spared prison due to age, addiction history, housing issues, and recent progress. Judge James Patrick noted it would be unjust to imprison given his circumstances. Admitted to drug supply offences.

Sources: devonlive.com

Nicoline Julius

Breaches of restraining order

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Nicoline Julius, 54, from the Netherlands, met members of a Teignmouth-based family during a course in Ireland and received help with accommodation issues. She subsequently developed an obsessive fixation, ignoring a 2019 caution and multiple restraining orders. Julius continued harassment through text messages, emails, and an in-person delivery of a gold gift worth €1,800 in 2022. The harassment escalated in 2024 and 2025, including threats to park outside their home until they spoke to her. She was arrested for the final time in September 2025 after accusing the family of betrayal. The family reported relentless stress, anxiety, and unnerving visits, emphasizing no desire for further contact.

Admitted six breaches of a restraining order. Collapsed in the dock upon hearing the sentence. Further lifelong restraining order issued prohibiting contact with the family and entry into Devon. Mitigating factors include autism and lack of intention to cause serious harm.

Sources: devonlive.com

Brian Cawley

Assaulting an emergency worker

November 28, 2025

Sentence: 12 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months, supervision order, £250 compensation

Brian Cawley, a 60-year-old man from Howell Road, Exeter, launched an unprovoked assault on a female nurse at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in March 2025. He emerged from a toilet and punched the victim multiple times while she was working to help those in distress. The attack was captured on CCTV, and a colleague intervened to stop it.

Admitted assaulting an emergency worker. Described as an unpleasant offence; defendant ashamed. Attack unprovoked while under the influence.

Sources: devonlive.com

Barry Quinlan

ABH and assault by beating

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 18-month suspended sentence

Barry Quinlan, aged 52, suffocated his partner by covering her eyes, nose, and mouth with his hands during a jealous rage in her flat in Torquay in June 2025, threatening 'This is the closest you'll ever get to drowning' while pushing his knee into her chest. She struggled to breathe, escaped to a neighbour, and was hospitalized with fears of a fractured rib. Despite arrest and no-contact conditions, he returned, and on July 2, 2025, assaulted her again by climbing through a window, sniffing her clothes for infidelity signs, grabbing her by the hair, and shaking her. The victim suffers ongoing nightmares and fears his return.

Admitted ABH and assault by beating. Has 106 previous crimes, mostly for theft. Judge Stephen Climie imposed a 7-year restraining order not to go within an area around Pendennis Road in Torquay.

Sources: devonlive.com

Tony Taylor

Rape

November 25, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 9 months imprisonment

In 2023, Tony Taylor, 44, of Coronation Road, Kingsbridge, raped a terrified teenager in a shed after drinking and groping her. He ignored her repeated pleas of 'no', causing her to freeze in terror. He told her it would be 'their secret' and not to tell anyone. Police were called, leading to his arrest. DNA evidence confirmed his guilt, though he initially refused to answer questions.

Pleaded guilty to rape and two charges of sexual assault. Of previous good character, hard worker with positive traits. Judge noted he was an otherwise decent member of society. Must sign sex offender register for life and given a sexual harm prevention order until further notice.

Sources: devonlive.com

Mark Rye

Drug dealing

November 23, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 8 months imprisonment

Mark Rye, a 44-year-old Exeter drug addict of no fixed address, was arrested by police on October 2, 2025, in possession of heroin and cocaine worth hundreds of pounds. The offences were committed five weeks after his release from a previous prison sentence. He has a long history of drug-related crimes, including jail terms of three years in 2011, 54 months in 2016, six years in 2019, and five and a half years in 2022. His life has been described as bleak and wasted due to heroin addiction.

Entirely institutionalised drug addict with 65 previous convictions. Pleaded guilty to drug dealing offences. Solicitor requested longer sentence to help break cycle of offending. Judge noted bad drug habit and wasted life.

Sources: devonlive.com

Andrew Street

Rape of children

November 22, 2025

Sentence: 30 years imprisonment

Andrew Street, aged 64, from Willand, abused three children in a campaign of depraved offending over decades, stealing their childhood and silencing them with threats. Victims lived in fear and buried the memories.

Convicted of multiple serious sexual offences including rape. Used violence and threats to silence victims. Described as a dangerous paedophile predator.

Sources: devonlive.com

Stephen Broome

Possession of heroin with intent to supply

November 21, 2025

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

Stephen Broome, 68, of St Andrews Road, Exmouth, was stopped by police while driving and searched, revealing a significant amount of heroin wrapped and ready for sale. More drugs were found at a hotel where he was staying. After being bailed, he continued offending and was arrested again in February 2025 after police observed him dealing drugs.

Found guilty at trial of three offences of dealing heroin with intent to supply. Has a history of drug offending. Judge noted cash showed he was making money from dealing, but he is an addict who used some to fund his own habit. Has physical and mental illnesses; family letters highlighted his kind side.

Sources: devonlive.com

Luke Fryatt

Drink Driving

November 20, 2025

Sentence: Community order for 12 months

On 03/08/2025 at Bridespring Road, Exeter, drink driving (57mg in 100ml of breath). Assault emergency worker by beating.

Unpaid work for 140 hours. Mental health treatment. Rehabilitation activity. Disqualified for 14 months.

Sources: devonlive.com

Isaac Pollard

Drug Driving

November 20, 2025

Sentence: Disqualified for 18 months. Fine £200

On 10/12/2024 at Mallard Road Exeter drug driving (THC).

Faye Mclellan

Assault

November 20, 2025

Sentence: Community order for 12 months

On 19/06/2025 at Okehampton assaulted a police officer by beating her.

Alcohol treatment. Mental health treatment. Rehabilitation activity. Compensation £100.

Sources: devonlive.com

Tyler Govier

Assault

November 20, 2025

Sentence: Fine £200

On 06/04/2025 at Exeter assaulted a female.

Jayson Ross

Actual Bodily Harm

November 19, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

In August 2024, Jayson Ross, aged 36, of Denbury, Newton Abbot, turned up at his ex-partner's new boyfriend's house in Starcross out of jealousy, three years after their split. He kicked in the door, grabbed her by the hair tearing a clump from its roots, knocked her to the floor, and kicked her in the face, causing heavy bleeding and fear of a broken nose. Ten minutes later, he called and threatened to kill her partner and torch his car. Police heard him ranting threats. He has a history of violence against women, including a 2022 conviction for ABH and threats to kill the same victim, for which he was jailed and given a restraining order.

Pleaded guilty to ABH, breaching a restraining order, threatening messages and criminal damage. Judge commented on his 'warped and entrenched attitude to relationships and victim blaming'. Claimed PTSD but no medical evidence provided.

Sources: devonlive.com

Richard Smart

Non-dwelling burglary

November 18, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Richard Smart, a 57-year-old career criminal from Bristol with no fixed address, committed two non-dwelling burglaries at the Exeter Spray Centre in Marsh Barton. On September 21, 2025, he was dropped off outside the workshop, broke in, stole keys, a computer, and tools, loaded them into a van outside, and drove off. He left a bowel movement at the scene, which police tested and matched to his DNA profile from their database. On October 19, 2025, he returned, pried open a fire door with a crowbar, and stole another van from inside the workshop. The owner tracked the van, leading to Smart's arrest near Bristol that afternoon. He had no driving licence or insurance. The burglaries caused significant stress to the business owner.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of non-dwelling burglary. Judge David Evans commented, 'What a waste of a life,' noting the defendant's 200 prior convictions and dishonest nature. The defendant is 57 years old.

Sources: devonlive.com

Callum Watts

Assault by beating

November 17, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 months imprisonment

On January 2025, during an on-off relationship, Callum Watts, 30, of Charles Hudson Lane, assaulted his pregnant partner (8-11 weeks) at a house in Barnstaple following an argument at 2pm about him getting up. He grabbed her hair, slapped her face with an open palm, ignored her pregnancy pleas, called her a derogatory name, and bit her hand. Neighbours heard her scream for help, leading to his arrest. The victim suffered bruising to her jaw and neck and was hospitalized.

Convicted of assault by beating after trial; acquitted of intentional strangulation. Has 27 prior convictions including previous violence against the same victim. Pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer in March. Will serve half in custody and half on licence. Five-year restraining order imposed.

Sources: devonlive.com

Joseph Blackwell

Wounding without intent

November 14, 2025

Sentence: 12 month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work and a 90 day alcohol ban

Joseph Blackwell, a 25-year-old scaffolder from Beacon Lane, Exeter, dressed as a parsnip for his hockey club's Christmas party which he organised as social secretary. At 2.40am outside a kebab shop in the city centre, after exchanging terse words with his former friend and fellow player David Pewsey due to simmering beef, Blackwell punched Pewsey, breaking his jaw which required surgery and plates to be inserted. The incident was caught on CCTV. Blackwell had downed eight pints and some vodka beforehand and immediately walked away after the attack. He has been suspended from the club where he played since age 13.

Pleaded guilty to wounding without intent. No previous convictions. Ordered to pay £250 compensation and £200 costs. Acted out of character after consuming alcohol.

Sources: devonlive.com

Justin Sanders

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 20-month suspended sentence, 60 hours unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation days

Justin Sanders, 29, of Smythen Street, Exeter, was released from prison in August 2024 with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from meeting other registered sex offenders. Within two weeks, he began a nine-month friendship with another convicted sex offender, meeting nearly every day near the Mill on the Exe pub by the river. He ignored warnings from his offender manager to end the contact and tipped off his friend via text when police came to arrest him. During one encounter, Sanders became sexually aroused upon seeing a nine-year-old boy with his father. This was not his first breach of the SHPO.

Admitted breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Previous conviction for similar crime in 2022. Judge warned that any further breaches would result in imprisonment.

Sources: devonlive.com

Noah Wild

Shoplifting

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 16 weeks imprisonment

On 05/07/2025 at Exeter shoplifting from Co-op Cowick Street and further thefts. Damaged a coffee cup at Costa.

Pleaded guilty to shoplifting from Co-op Cowick Street and further thefts, damaged a coffee cup at Costa.

Sources: devonlive.com

Paul Toovey

Wounding with intent

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

On February 23, 2025, Paul Toovey, consumed by jealousy, confronted his estranged wife and her new partner outside the White Hart pub in Newton Abbot. CCTV captured him attempting to slit the partner's throat in East Street, resulting in a superficial neck wound, then stabbing the partner in the abdomen. Moments later, he stabbed his wife in the stomach outside Austin's department store without warning, causing her to fall in agony. Toovey fled, discarding the knife in a bin, and was arrested that night at his home on Pomeroy Road, Newton Abbot, making self-pitying comments to police.

Admitted two offences of wounding and possessing a blade. Former British Army soldier with PTSD from tours in Iraq, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. Judge noted jealousy and warped attitude to relationship breakdown. To serve 40% in prison; already served 9 months on remand.

Sources: devonlive.com

Warren Whitehouse

Inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Warren Whitehouse, an 87-year-old man from Liverton near Newton Abbot, sexually abused a boy aged seven or eight by showing him pictures of naked women on his computer and forcing the boy to touch his penis. He then attempted to buy the boy's silence with Lego. The abuse occurred over a decade ago, and Whitehouse avoided justice until convicted at trial earlier in 2025. The victim reported years of turmoil, self-blame, and guilt as a result.

Convicted at trial of inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Of previous good character. Judge noted the seriousness of the offence and the trauma caused to the victim, despite the defendant's age making custody difficult.

Sources: devonlive.com

Stuart Raymont

Wasting police time

November 13, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order

On 22/07/2024 at Tiverton caused wasteful employment of police by making false report to ambulance.

Pleaded guilty to causing wasteful employment of police by making false report to ambulance.

Sources: devonlive.com

Stuart Lake

Drug driving

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 20 months disqualification, £350 fine

On 16/08/2025 at Hereford drug driving (THC).

Laurie Edwards

Assault

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 12 months community order, mental health treatment, £150 compensation

On 11/08/2025 at Castle Park Way, Exeter, assaulted a male by beating.

Christopher Rowe

Driving whilst disqualified

November 12, 2025

Sentence: Eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months, two years and 15 days disqualification, 90 hours unpaid work

On 17/01/2025 at A380 Kingsteignton driving whilst disqualified.

Jeremy Pilkington

Controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship

November 12, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, £750 compensation order, £400 court costs, 10-year restraining order

Jeremy Pilkington, a 60-year-old marine engineer, engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his ex-wife during their 20-year marriage from 2015 to 2023. Incidents included violence such as flicking her in the face, punching her resulting in a black eye and bruising, playing loud music to prevent sleep, spraying her with a hosepipe in bed, and waking her with bruises on her arms. The couple lived on a barge. The ex-wife was scared of him, and he blamed her for the issues. The prosecutor noted she was always shut down by him.

Pleaded guilty. Character references from Newton Abbot town clerk Phil Rowe, Mayor Colin Parker, and former councillor Gordon Hook. Alcohol addiction issues noted. Defendant works for his elderly father's marine business in Newton Abbot.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk