Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 233 verdicts at Exeter Crown Court (Exeter). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Roarie Heard

GBH

November 3, 2025

Sentence: 15-month suspended sentence, 80 hours unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation sessions, £3,500 compensation, £1,000 costs

Roarie Heard, 19, of Lynhurst Avenue in Barnstaple, punched a man to the side of the face in Vicarage Street, Barnstaple, in November 2024, knocking him unconscious and breaking his jaw in two places, requiring three plates to be placed in his face. The victim had been out to a boxing match with friends and was outside an address when Heard arrived with a group of about 10 men. There was some pushing, and Heard thought someone hit him from behind, but the judge ruled it was not self-defence.

Pleaded guilty to GBH. Judge James Patrick noted the incident was night time violence by drunken men and that Heard lashed out, not in self-defence. Heard came to court prepared for prison but was spared due to his youth and loss of good name.

Sources: devonlive.com

Steven Woodstock

Stalking

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 22 weeks imprisonment

Steven Woodstock, 37, bombarded his ex-partner in Exeter with hundreds of messages, loitered outside her home, followed her, photographed her, banged on doors, ignored police warnings, and drove off in her car without permission. He once confronted her in the street asking why she was ignoring him.

Already in custody; did not attend sentencing; judge said it would have been longer if possible.

Sources: devonlive.com

Gheorghe Ionescu

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 2 months imprisonment

Gheorghe Ionescu, 50, was arrested by police on September 25, 2025, while driving a car under the influence of drugs in the early hours. Police searched the vehicle and found bags of cocaine. Further search at his address in Topsham Road revealed more drugs, totaling 48 small bag deals with a street value of nearly £2,000. He admitted to the offense, stating 'It's all true' to police.

Pleaded guilty. Romanian national who overstayed tourist visa due to drug addiction and agreed to transport cocaine to fund habit. Wife in Romania is ashamed. Expected to be deported after release. Will serve up to half in custody.

Sources: devonlive.com

Lewis Jones

Assault with a bottle

October 31, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

Lewis Jones, 31, from Exeter, stole items from Morrisons Daily on Fore Street, then flipped out with a broken bottle in Cathedral Green, slashing a member of the public in the face after they intervened.

Morgan Fellows

Possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

On June 25, 2025, police raided the address of Morgan Fellows on Fraser Road, Exmouth, uncovering 17g of ketamine and 113g of cannabis with a combined street value of £1,780, along with £970 in cash. He refused to provide his mobile PIN. The 21-year-old had been given a suspended sentence in February for dealing cocaine and cannabis but continued dealing while under probation supervision.

Pleaded guilty to possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply. Breached suspended sentence from February for dealing cocaine and cannabis. Judge noted he was cooperating with unpaid work but returned to old habits despite telling probation he was serious about addressing offending.

Sources: devonlive.com

Nicholas Courtney

Threatening with a bladed article

October 29, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

On March 17, 2025, Nicholas Courtney, aged 46, arrived at Darts Farm near Topsham, Exeter, by bus. He complained of feeling unwell and was offered water but began rocking, shouting, and foaming at the mouth. He entered the kitchen, grabbed two large butchery knives with 25cm blades, pointed them at staff members, and threatened them while talking gibberish during a psychotic breakdown. He followed one staff member to the butchery, but was restrained by a heroic worker using a Yeti cool box. Police arrested him after he assaulted an officer at the hospital. This incident occurred two months after he breached his sexual harm prevention order by failing to notify police of his whereabouts while living in a tent near Bromhams car park.

Pleaded guilty. Will serve no more than half in prison. Has already served 7 months. Suffers from poor mental health, epilepsy, brain injury, and is a drug user who was homeless at the time.

Sources: plymouthherald.co.uk

Nicholas Tooley

Rail fare evasion

October 28, 2025

Sentence: Reduced debt of £1,154

Nicholas Tooley, 54, of Alphington Road, Exeter, accumulated £30,012.90 in unpaid train fares, fines, and costs over seven years from April 2017 by not paying fares for travel from Exeter to Teignmouth to visit family. He could not explain inconsistent payment. The actual fares at current rates would have been less than £5,000. He has paid £2,100, with the remainder remitted to £14,517.30 prior to the hearing.

District Judge Stuart Smith reduced the outstanding amount from £14,517.30 to £1,154 covering July and August this year. Tooley has paid £2,100 of the original £30,012.90 in unpaid fares, fines, and costs over seven years. Lives on Universal Credit. Advised to pay for tickets or not travel by train.

Sources: devonlive.com

Alex Waterman

Stalking

October 27, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Alex Waterman, 39, from Tiverton, engaged in a campaign of harassment against his ex-partner after their short relationship ended in April 2025. He sent threatening messages such as 'You can run but you can't hide' and 'Sleep with one eye open', posted ominous messages on Facebook and TikTok including 'What goes around comes around' and 'Something really bad is going to happen soon', threatened suicide, claimed to have keys to her property, sent disturbing photos, turned up at her home, and threw a brick through her window in May 2025, causing serious alarm and distress. The victim activated a panic alarm leading to his arrest. She described her life being turned upside down, fearing for her life, suffering stress, nightmares, and believing he was evil after he pretended to be kind and caring.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and criminal damage. Has 27 previous convictions including harassment, breaching a domestic violence order, and violence. Judge described him as a manipulative, drunken thug and dangerous. Six-year restraining order imposed.

Sources: devonlive.com

Devanaden Armoogum

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 10 years and 5 months imprisonment

Devanaden Armoogum, 48, a support worker in Exeter, was in charge overnight at accommodation for vulnerable adults despite no prior experience there. When a resident with complex needs woke upset about past abuse, he groped her, exposed himself, and forced her to perform oral sex. She raised the alarm the next day.

Justin Reeve

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 14 years imprisonment

Justin Reeve, an 18st personal trainer from Torquay, raped one woman in her home after arranging fitness help, and raped a second after meeting on a swingers website. Their encounter turned violent as he forced anal sex despite her pleas. Described as a 'monster' by a victim.

Fenton Clapp

Sexual Assault

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 8 years and 9 months imprisonment, with 2 years and 7 months extended licence

Fenton Clapp, 20, from Tiverton, sold ecstasy pills ('pingers') to children in Amory Park, making £800 a day. He sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl after she bought MDMA and was intoxicated, and molested a 15-year-old girl who fell asleep in his flat. Offences occurred over 18 months when he was 18-19.

Sentenced for sexual offences against two teenage girls and drug dealing. Poses danger to the public.

Sources: devonlive.com

Jason Leat

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 13 years imprisonment

Jason Leat, aged 28, raped a woman in her home in Crediton in July 2020 after they met drinking in a pub on the first night after Covid lockdown. He insisted on joining her in bed, assaulted her despite her refusals, and raped her twice. He also sexually assaulted a second woman by grabbing and squeezing her breast.

Found guilty after trial of two rapes, sexual assault, two assaults by penetration against one woman, and one sexual assault against a second woman. Judge noted he 'couldn't care less' about victims' consent.

Sources: devonlive.com

Owen Rendall

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment

Owen Rendall, 26, from Tiverton, raped and sexually abused three young women. In 2018, he repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl under 16 on the Tiverton canal path while she walked home, telling her it was their secret. The victim later came forward despite initial reluctance.

Found guilty after trial of three rapes, sexual assault by penetration, and two sexual assaults.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ricky Stubberfield

Rape

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 26 years imprisonment

Ricky Stubberfield committed multiple rapes and sexual assaults on women and teenage girls, presenting a false 'jack the lad' persona. In court, he denied the offences, alleging collusion or consent, but was convicted for his hideous crimes and warped mindset.

Found guilty of multiple rapes and sexual assaults on women and teenage girls. Tried to claim victims were lying or that acts were consensual, blaming his ADHD and personality.

Sources: devonlive.com

Terrence Murtha

Sexual Assault

October 26, 2025

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Terrence Murtha, 57, from North Devon, sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman in Ilfracombe in 2021 after a party. Allowed to sleep on the sofa, he crept upstairs to her bedroom and assaulted her. The victim suffered intense nightmares and life changes, unable to work.

Convicted of three sexual assaults after trial. Ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ryan Gillard

Rape

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 16 years imprisonment with 6 years extended licence

Ryan Gillard, 31, of no fixed abode, raped a woman and committed grievous bodily harm. The victim read a personal statement describing the profound impact on her life. The offences occurred in Devon, leading to his arrest and trial.

Denied rape and GBH but convicted after trial. Judge Stephen Climie noted 'compelling evidence' of guilt and 'near total disregard' for victim's feelings. Extended sentence for public protection due to danger of reoffending.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ian Nicholls

Sexual Assault

October 24, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Ian Nicholls, a 64-year-old massage therapist formerly of Newton Abbot, sexually assaulted three female clients during massages between 2019 and 2021. The victims, who were not known to each other, described nearly identical incidents where Nicholls touched them sexually, exposed them, and made inappropriate comments. They froze due to his large stature and felt vulnerable and alone in the building. The first allegation was reported in 2019 but not proceeded with initially due to evidential difficulties; it was reopened after further victims came forward. The second victim reported in 2021, leading to his termination and police involvement, which identified the third victim who had received a gifted voucher for the massage.

Convicted at trial of four sexual assaults. Found not guilty of sexual abuse of a fourth complainant. Must sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

Burdon Grange Care Home Limited

Breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008

October 23, 2025

Sentence: £180,000 fine

On June 8, 2022, a specially designed vessel capsized at Roadford Lake near Okehampton, Devon, during a trip organised by Burdon Grange Care Home. The boat took on water while returning to shore, throwing six people into the water. Residents Alison Tilsley, 63, and Alex Wood, 43, both wheelchair users strapped into heavy electric wheelchairs with no ready means of release, were immediately dragged beneath the water and drowned. Another resident, Kate Dart, was rescued face down and airlifted to hospital. The care home had not conducted a proper risk assessment, over-relying on the boat rental provider, South West Lakes Trust. Buoyancy aids provided were unsuitable, and one of the three staff members on board could not swim. This was the first such trip since the pandemic, despite 21 prior trips.

Pleaded guilty to three breaches of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 for failing to provide proper and safe care to service users resulting in avoidable harm. Ordered to pay £20,000 costs. Judge noted the fine was reduced to avoid impacting care for vulnerable residents.

Sources: plymouthherald.co.uk

Navthan Katta

Possessing cocaine with intent to supply

October 22, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Navthan Katta, a 31-year-old Indian national, was stopped by police driving on the M5 on August 11, 2025, near Exeter. He had 18 bags of cocaine, with a street value of £720, stuffed in his pants, along with £1,000 in cash. Messages on his mobile phone showed he was delivering Class A drugs to local addresses around the country for others. Katta had come to the UK as a dependant of a skilled worker who returned to India; his visa expires soon. He claimed he delivered drugs to pay off visa debt and initially did not know the packages contained drugs.

Admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply. 40% to be served in jail. Judge David Evans noted offences were serious and only prison appropriate. Defendant seeks deportation to India.

Sources: devonlive.com

Paul Fagan

GBH

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 3-year community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days

Paul Fagan, 42, of Wilkins Drive, Paignton, committed GBH on December 23, 2024, by grabbing a woman's arms, flailing and pushing her over during an argument at his partner's address, causing her to hit her head, lose a tooth, and sustain two jaw fractures requiring surgery and a metal plate, leading to lifelong disfigurement, eating difficulties, and a spinal infection. On July 8, 2025, in a jealous drunken rage accusing his partner of an affair, he held a knife, shouted threats, and threw a brick at her car as she fled, smashing the rear window.

Pleaded guilty to multiple offences. Judge Stephen Climie noted alcohol as root of problems and that he had turned his life around. Prior convictions for ABH, battery, affray and threats.

Sources: devonlive.com

Nicholas Parker

Causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 7 months imprisonment suspended for 15 months, 100 hours unpaid work, lifetime ban from keeping animals

Nicholas Parker, 34, was living in a squalid and dilapidated house in Exeter with five children and four French bulldogs belonging to his sick partner who was in hospital in June 2024. The house was damp and mould-ridden with a water leak, caved-in ceiling, and a smell of death. Police found three dogs in an upstairs bedroom with no food or water; two (Peach and Finger) were dangerously emaciated but survived and were rehomed, one (Piper) was dead after eating something inedible, and a fourth (Luther) was later found dead from starvation. One dog had eaten its own hind leg out of desperation. Parker claimed he threw food into the room but was unaware of the dogs.

Admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs. Judge James Patrick noted Parker's traumatic background and that he had hidden his head in the sand. Defence lawyer Warren Robinson said Parker ignored the obvious consequences and was not set up to cope.

Sources: devonlive.com

Tom Sellick

Supply of crack cocaine

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 30 months imprisonment

Tom Sellick, 32, and friend Ayden Barrier began dealing in cocaine after becoming addicted to the class A drug to fund their habit. Police raided their homes in Nursery News, Exmouth, uncovering a lucrative drug operation with more than £6,000 in cash and drug gear. Sellick was dealing at a higher level.

Admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and offering to supply cannabis. Had knuckle dusters in his car and wardrobe to protect his stash. Dealing at a higher level than Barrier.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ayden Barrier

Possession of cocaine with intent to supply

October 20, 2025

Sentence: 27 months imprisonment

Ayden Barrier, 29, and friend Tom Sellick began dealing in cocaine after becoming addicted to the class A drug to fund their habit. Police raided their homes in Nursery News, Exmouth, uncovering a lucrative drug operation with more than £6,000 in cash and drug gear. Barrier was dealing at a lower level than Sellick.

Admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing cannabis. Father who got sucked into the drugs culture, leading to debt and involvement in dealers' network.

Sources: devonlive.com

Matthew Summers

Drug supply offences

October 16, 2025

Sentence: 5.5 years imprisonment

Matthew Summers, 41, of Carnarvon Road, Reading, was part of an organised crime gang that trafficked tens of thousands of pounds worth of cocaine into the South West.

Tenth member of an organised crime gang involved in trafficking cocaine into the South West.

Sources: news.devon-cornwall.police.uk

Mitchell Hannis

Assault

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 10 weeks custody suspended for 6 months

On 26/12/2023 at HMP Exeter assaulted a prison officer by beating.

Jake Beaumont

Possession with intent to supply cocaine and driving while unfit through drugs

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 3 years imprisonment

On the morning of August 2, 2025, Jake Beaumont, 33, of Langlands Road, Cullompton, drove a Mercedes erratically on Topsham Road in Exeter while under the influence of cocaine, nearly colliding with other vehicles, oncoming traffic, a bush, and a bus. He was spotted by an off-duty officer and arrested near Burnthouse Lane. Beaumont attempted to flee, discarding a bag of cocaine worth £1,560 and a container of bicarbonate (used to cut drugs or cook crack) under a car, as captured on doorstep CCTV. He was consuming up to seven grams of cocaine daily and dealing to support his habit.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply and driving while unfit through drugs. Subject to a suspended sentence at the time. Has 20 prior convictions for driving and drug offences. Judge James Patrick imposed a two-year driving ban to start upon release. Sold drugs to fund chronic cocaine addiction.

Sources: devonlive.com

Kaleb Soper

Robbery

October 10, 2025

Sentence: 6 years and 6 months extended sentence

Kaleb Soper, 22, of Mincinglake Road, was part of a masked gang that conducted a menacing spree of robberies and attempted robberies in Exeter on August 3, 2025. The gang, disguised in balaclavas, rode around late at night threatening victims. The first offence was an attempted robbery of two people in Cathedral Green where a blade was shown and threats made, but the victims escaped. They then robbed a student in Blackboy Road, making stab threats. The third robbery involved taking cash from a man in Mincinglake Valley Park who had little in the world.

Admitted two robberies and one attempted robbery. Has a long record of violent crime and was subject to a community order at the time. Pre-sentence report indicated danger of committing more serious offences. Must serve at least two thirds of the 3.5 year custodial term in prison before release.

Sources: devonlive.com

Kai Abbott

Affray

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

Kai Abbott, 26, of Morwenna Park Road, Bideford, participated in the violent assault in June 2024 at Dunsland carpark, Holsworthy, Devon. Masked, he approached the car with Stevens after Hawke lured the victim there. Abbott continued the sustained attack on the victim with Stevens after Hawke left. The victim hid in nearby woods, collapsed, and was found the next day with fractures to his head and legs, and body bruising.

Les Williams

Sexual communication with a child and breach of sexual harm prevention order

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment

On August 25, 2025, at about 10pm near Pinhoe Road in Exeter, Les Williams, 58, was sat in the dark in playing fields with his mobility scooter lights off and a bottle of lubricant. Two 14-year-old boys walking to the train station asked if he needed help as he claimed to be stuck. He propositioned them by asking if they 'wanted a little play' and confirmed it was about sex when questioned. The boys felt uneasy, filmed his behaviour, walked away, and called the police. Officers found him still there, arrested him, and seized the lubricant. He did not answer questions at the station.

Admitted breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order imposed in 2017 and sexual communication with a child. Has 10 prior offences, including conviction in 2017 for possessing and distributing indecent images of children and jailed in 2020 for breaching SHPO. Was drunk and banned from speaking to children unsupervised.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ilber Gjoka

Possessing cocaine with intent to supply

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 20 months imprisonment

On August 16, 2025, police pulled over a BMW driven by Ilber Gjoka in Barnstaple and arrested him after discovering 11 bags of cocaine worth £407 stuffed in a sock down his shorts, along with £245 in cash seized from his wallet. Gjoka claimed he was dealing drugs in Devon to repay a loan taken in Albania for his sick father's care.

Admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply at an early stage. Of previous good character. Likely to be deported. Judge commented on the excuse of selling drugs to pay for sick father's care in Albania, noting it was the second similar case that day.

Sources: devonlive.com

Argent Bala

Growing cannabis

October 9, 2025

Sentence: jailed

Argent Bala was involved in growing cannabis on a business park in South Brent. The case was heard an hour before another similar Albanian-related drug case, with the judge commenting on the repeated excuse of caring for a sick parent in Albania.

Jailed for growing cannabis. Excuse of sick mother in Albania noted by judge as similar to previous case.

Sources: devonlive.com

Connor Stevens

GBH with intent

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 6.5 years imprisonment

Connor Stevens, 24, of Stanhope Close, Holsworthy, participated in a pre-planned attack in June 2024 at Dunsland carpark, Holsworthy, Devon. The victim was lured to the location by Ryan Hawke. Stevens, masked, approached the car and struck the victim several times with a claw hammer. He continued the sustained assault with Abbott after Hawke left. The victim suffered fractures to his head and legs, and bruising over his body, requiring hospital treatment.

Ryan Hawke

Kidnap

October 9, 2025

Sentence: 3.5 years imprisonment

Ryan Hawke, 33, of Castle Douglas, Scotland, arranged and carried out the kidnap of the victim in June 2024. Known to the victim, Hawke contacted him and picked him up at Launceston Cemetery, made several errands, then stopped at Dunsland carpark, Holsworthy, Devon, at around 9pm. Hawke took the keys, told the victim he wasn’t going anywhere, and left the scene after two masked men approached and assaulted the victim.

Peter Kitson

Fraud

October 8, 2025

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

Peter Kitson, 64, former director of Mobility Furniture Company Ltd, operated a £30m turnover business retailing mobility aids like adjustable chairs and beds to elderly and vulnerable customers in their homes. He falsely claimed goods were subject to sales discounts, used misleading claims about no pressure to purchase, and misrepresented off-the-shelf items as bespoke, preventing cancellations. Salespeople employed high-pressure tactics including cold calling (one victim called 88 times), lengthy demonstrations, time-limited offers, and refusing to leave homes. Kitson ran an annual competition rewarding staff for false bespoke sales despite prior advice and an Undertaking under the Enterprise Act. The fraud targeted vulnerable consumers nationwide, with victims subjected to hard-sell and misleading tactics.

Pleaded guilty to fraud. Banned from being a director of a company. Judge described actions as 'arrogant and greedy' with 'devastating life-changing impact' on victims. Sentence reduced from maximum of two years due to testimonials.

Sources: devonlive.com

Timothy Bates

Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

October 7, 2025

Sentence: life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years

Timothy Bates carried out a campaign of sexual abuse against a child under 13 in South Devon more than a decade ago. He was convicted at trial in July 2025 and sentenced on October 7, 2025. The victim, who bravely gave evidence at trial, stated that the crimes left her traumatised with flashbacks but she feels stronger having fought for justice. Bates, of Liskerrett Road, Liskeard, has never admitted the suffering he caused.

Convicted after trial of four charges of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Denied the offences. Judge paid tribute to the victim's courage, describing her as the most impressive witness he had ever seen. Bates continues to pose a very significant risk to the public and of committing further sexual offences. Subject to licence for the rest of his natural life upon release.

Sources: devonlive.com

Kai Webb

GBH

October 7, 2025

Sentence: 7 years imprisonment

Kai Webb, 28, engaged in a six-month spree of violence in 2023. On April 29, 2023, in Market Street, Newton Abbot, he bit off a 5cm x 1cm piece of a man's ear during a street brawl outside Bar 7, leaving the victim disfigured after reattachment failed. In July 2023, on Teignmouth seafront, he robbed a festival-goer of £800 phone, umbrella, £800 designer jacket, backpack, and £300 cash, using a 10-inch blade that cut the victim's hand. In October 2023, outside Rock Bottom bar in Teignmouth, he stabbed a man in the back with a knife during an argument, causing a small wound under the rib.

Pleaded guilty to GBH, wounding with intent, having a bladed article and robbery. Has a long history of violence and is already serving a 43-month sentence for another assault. Remorseful, has ADHD, and drink was at the root of the problem. Must serve two-thirds before parole consideration. Further two years on licence due to danger posed.

Sources: devonlive.com

Jonathon Cann

Sexual assault of a child

October 3, 2025

Sentence: 3 years and 6 months imprisonment

Jonathon Cann, 32, from Ayres Close in Bideford, sexually assaulted a child and instructed her not to tell anyone.

Half to be served in prison, rest on licence; tried to make victim promise not to tell.

Sources: devonlive.com

Mark Oprey

Theft and possession of cocaine

October 2, 2025

Sentence: Six months in prison suspended for six months

On 16/07/2025 at The Range Exeter, Mark Oprey stole a Motorola baby monitor and was in possession of cocaine.

Thomas Montgomery

Assault on police and related offenses

October 2, 2025

Sentence: 52 weeks in prison plus compensation

On 09/09/2025 at New Street, Torrington, Thomas Montgomery assaulted a police officer by beating, along with four further assaults on police, four common assaults, breach of a restraining order, and possession of a knife.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer by beating, four further assaults on police, four common assaults, breach of a restraining order, and possession of a knife.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ramazan Er

Sexual risk order

October 2, 2025

Sentence: Sexual risk order for two years

Ramazan Er, aged 26 from Archibald Road, Exeter, was subject to an application for a sexual risk order due to concerns over approaching lone females.

The defendant is prohibited from intentionally approaching any lone female between the hours of 11PM and 6AM, who is not an immediate family member.

Sources: devonlive.com

Owen Charles Baldwin

Sexual risk order

October 2, 2025

Sentence: Sexual risk order for 5 years

Owen Charles Baldwin, aged 22 from Orchard Close, Sidford, was subject to an application for a sexual risk order prohibiting contact with female children under 16.

Prohibitions not to have any contact or communication of any kind with a female child under the age of 16 years.

Sources: devonlive.com

Richard Chester

Drink driving

October 2, 2025

Sentence: Disqualified for 14 months. Fine £500

On 31/08/2025 at South Zeal, Richard Chester was found to have 51mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath while driving.

Steven Mark Kemp

Fraud

September 30, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment

Steven Mark Kemp, trading as Exeter Windows and Conservatories, scammed vulnerable and elderly residents by taking deposits totalling more than £59,000 for building projects such as porches, windows, and conservatories. He performed minimal or no work before abandoning the projects, leaving victims, including a 90-year-old who trusted him to build a porch, shocked and deeply hurt by the abuse of trust.

Pleaded guilty to fraud; sentenced to 18 months due to the seriousness of the offending, reduced from a longer term because of health issues; also banned from trading for seven years and given a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Sources: devonlive.com

Riley Orchard

Possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin

September 29, 2025

Sentence: Two-year suspended sentence with 100 hours of unpaid work

Riley Orchard, 19, of Avocet Road, Exeter, was arrested in July after police found drugs hidden on him during the same incident involving Sam Searle. He told police he had not had much growing up and was easily led into the offences due to his vulnerabilities.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin. He had a difficult upbringing, was bullied due to a leg condition, has ADHD, and got into debt from a cannabis habit. The judge warned him this was his last chance to avoid jail.

Sources: devonlive.com

Sam Searle

Possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin

September 29, 2025

Sentence: Three years and three months imprisonment

Sam Searle, 21, of Leypark Road, was arrested in July after being seen dealing drugs in the street in Exeter. Police seized a large quantity of crack cocaine and heroin worth over £2,000, along with phones, scales, and cash. He also possessed a black hunting knife.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin. Offended in breach of a suspended sentence and was caught with a black hunting knife. He is a new dad who needed money to buy a carpet and fridge.

Sources: devonlive.com

Adrian Letheren

Robbery

September 29, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment with an additional 4 years on licence

Adrian Letheren attacked a 21-year-old man in a dark alleyway near the Queen's Head pub in Exeter on May 7, 2024. He approached the victim, asked for cocaine, then slammed into him from behind, put him in a headlock, punched and kicked him while on the ground, and stole his wallet and Samsung S21 phone worth more than £1,000. One of the attackers rubbed the victim's lips with a thumb, causing concern. Letheren was later seen cutting up the victim's driving licence and became intimidating when confronted.

Pleaded guilty to robbery. Has a long history of violence and theft. Judge added extra time due to the danger he poses to the public.

Sources: devonlive.com

Casper Jax

Sexual Assault

September 25, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment with an extra 4 years on licence

Casper Jax, a 59-year-old sex offender, sexually assaulted a teenager by squeezing his genitals during a hug in 2022. He had previously been jailed for 13 years in 2015 for grooming and raping a 12-year-old boy. Jax befriended families without disclosing his criminal history or restrictions, leading to the assault and breaches of his sexual harm prevention order.

Admitted one charge of sexual assault and two of breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order. Judge Stephen Climie noted that Jax was dangerous and had embarked on a deliberate and dishonest targeting of people with children.

Sources: devonlive.com

Christopher Prater

Distributing and possessing indecent images of children

September 24, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Christopher Prater, 30, of Shorton Valley Road in Paignton, downloaded thousands of images from the dark web depicting children, including babies, being sexually abused. He shared these images online with undercover police officers via platforms like Session and Wickr. The offending took place between 2015 and 2023, and police seized devices from his home containing 1,295 indecent images in the most serious category and over 1,000 others.

Pleaded guilty to seven offences, including three for distributing indecent images, three for downloading them, and one for possessing extreme images of bestiality. Judge David Evans noted the offences spanned several years, and the defendant had a traumatic childhood with no previous convictions.

Sources: devonlive.com

James Gebbie

Assaults on emergency workers

September 23, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment

James Gebbie assaulted emergency workers on multiple occasions. In December 2024, he attempted to headbutt and kick police officers, biting one on the thigh during an arrest. In April 2025, he squeezed a police officer's testicles causing excruciating pain during an arrest in Northernhay Gardens, Exeter, and continued to be aggressive, requiring the use of incapacitant spray and restraints.

Apologised for his actions and for calling the judge a 'murderer'. Has a history of homelessness, alcohol and drug dependence. Benefited from a strict prison regime, as noted by Judge David Evans.

Sources: devonlive.com

Afshar Ali

Kidnapping and Blackmail

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Afshar Ali, along with two others, kidnapped a man in his 50s in Plymouth on May 26, 2022, by forcibly pushing him into a car and driving away. They contacted the victim's family, demanding £20,000 within 10 minutes, which escalated to £35,000. The victim was assaulted during the incident and required hospital treatment. The group was stopped by police on the M2 near Canterbury.

Found guilty of kidnap and blackmail. A restraining order was placed for 10 years.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

No sentences found matching your search.