Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

Date Not Specified 50 cases

Michael Romanowicz

Dangerous driving *

Sentence

10 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

On 04/10/2025 at Avenue Road, Torquay dangerous driving.

Pleaded guilty. Unpaid work for 200 hours. Disqualified for three years.

1 Jan 0001

Monika Richards

Misconduct in public office *

Sentence

14 months in prison

While working at HMP Exeter, Richards failed to inform the prison that a serving prisoner was in possession of an illicit mobile phone and that she had been communicating with him on the device. During a search of the inmate’s cell, two small mobile phones were found hidden. Call records for one of the phones showed two-way contact with Richards. An examination of Richards’ devices also found that she was supplying a class C drug, namely diazepam, to associates.

Admitted misconduct in public office and being concerned in the supply of class C drugs.

1 Jan 0001

Mathew Willoughby

Supplying diamorphine *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 21 months

On or about 29/06/2023 at Teignmouth, was concerned in the supplying of a quantity of diamorphine, a controlled drug of class A.

Plea: Guilty. Alcohol abstinence for 120 days. Drug rehabilitation.

1 Jan 0001

Matthew Broom

Making indecent images of a child *

Sentence

Community order for 2 years

Between 11 February 2001 and 12 January 2024 at Honiton, made indecent images by downloading 58 Category A images of a child.

Required to register with police for five years. Sexual harm prevention order imposed. Also ordered to pay £100 unpaid work.

1 Jan 0001

Merwais Nasiri

Kidnapping and attempted sexual assault *

Sentence

5 years 6 months imprisonment

On 1 July 2023, Merwais Nasiri targeted a 20-year-old female university student who was intoxicated and separated from her friends after a night out in Exeter. He spent approximately 75 minutes with her, then carried her into a dark alleyway, placed a commercial waste bin to block the entrance, and positioned himself on top of her with the intention of sexually assaulting her. Two bouncers from a nearby nightclub, alerted by a takeaway worker who saw the abduction, intervened and discovered Nasiri on top of the victim. CCTV footage showed him loitering in the area earlier, seemingly looking for a vulnerable woman. The victim had no memory of the incident but was traumatised upon learning what happened, undergoing medical checks at a sexual assault clinic. Nasiri was convicted of kidnap and intending to commit a sexual assault.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty by jury. Judge Stephen Climie described the victim as showing 'extraordinary dignity'. Nasiri was classified as a dangerous offender, placed on the sex offenders' register for life, and given a four-year extended licence period.

1 Jan 0001

Maurice Ferriter

Breach of sex offender registration conditions *

Sentence

1 year imprisonment

Maurice Ferriter, previously convicted of sexually assaulting a barmaid at a pub in Flintshire and sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment in 2012 with lifelong registration requirements, failed to comply with sex offender registration by not signing on weekly. He was living rough in Exeter, fearing attacks by vigilantes if his status became known among other homeless people. After release from a prior 24-week sentence in August 2021, he signed on in Plymouth for two weeks then went off radar for three months until arrested in Exeter in October 2021. Remanded in custody since arrest.

Admitted his ninth breach of registration conditions. Long history of non-compliance with sex offender registration requirements. Previously jailed for 24 weeks for identical offence in April 2021. Recorder Mr Christopher Quinlan, QC, presiding.

1 Jan 0001

Martin Lang

Making indecent images of children *

Sentence

3 year community order with 200 hours unpaid work

On or before 18/05/2023 at Torquay, Martin Lang, aged 61 from Barton Hill Road, Torquay, made (by downloading) 835 Category A indecent photographs of a child.

Plea: Guilty. Sexual harm prevention order and sex offenders register for 5 years.

1 Jan 0001

Mark Williams

Assault by beating *

Sentence

5 months imprisonment

Mark Williams, 40, of The Deans, Tiverton, attacked his friend during a drinking session at the White Ball Inn in Tiverton on September 26, 2025. He tipped his friend out of his chair, punched him in the face, held him down by the throat, punched him again, then returned to kick him in the head. The victim suffered cuts and bruises. The attack was due to alleged name-calling two years prior.

Admitted assault by beating. Offence put him in breach of a suspended sentence. Previous convictions for strangulation and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Phoned police after the attack and expressed remorse. Volunteers in a charity shop.

1 Jan 0001

Lucia Suteu

Supply of cocaine *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Romanian single mum acting as a runner for a gang, caught with cocaine in Barnstaple, having come to the UK to sell drugs to send money back to family.

Told she would be deported after serving part of her sentence.

1 Jan 0001

Luke Prato

Sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment with a 2 year extended licence

Luke Prato, 25, of Grendon Road, Exeter, attacked a 21-year-old woman and her male friend at the entrance to Belmont Park at 3am after shadowing them from Exeter's Angel pub. He assaulted the man first, then sexually assaulted the woman by thrusting his hand up her skirt, groping her, grabbing her throat and trying to drag her into the park while saying he intended to have sex with her. He fought off her friend, causing a head gash. The woman escaped to a house, but Prato followed and attacked again until the householder intervened. He fled but was identified via CCTV and forensics.

Classified as a dangerous offender. Convicted at trial in January 2020 of sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm. Cleared of attempted rape and assault with intent to commit a sexual offence. Refused psychiatric help despite diagnosis of anti-social personality disorder. Described as 'every young woman's worst nightmare'.

1 Jan 0001

Liam Squire

Assault by beating and intentional strangulation *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment suspended for 2 years

On 07/01/2026 at Torrington, Liam Squire, aged 29 from Caddywell Meadow, Torrington, assaulted a male by beating him and committed intentional strangulation of a female.

Plea: Not Guilty. Verdict: Found Guilty. Alcohol abstinence requirement for 120 days. 200 hours unpaid work.

1 Jan 0001

Lewis Wood

Misconduct in a public office *

Sentence

28 months imprisonment

Former Avon and Somerset Police officer Lewis Wood shared images and videos with family and friends relating to incidents he attended between December 2018 and August 2020, including images showing the body of 39-year-old Paul Wells, who was found stabbed to death in a Highbridge garden in June 2020. He used his personal phone to illegally share legitimate body-worn video footage and still images captured on his work mobile.

Admitted three counts of misconduct in a public office. Shared images and videos of incidents, including the body of murder victim Paul Wells, with family and friends. Remorseful. Judge James Adkin noted it was a habit, not a one-off, and actions in relation to Mr Wells were abhorrent.

1 Jan 0001

Lee Sherratt

Causing death by dangerous driving *

Sentence

18 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 5 years

Lee Sherratt, 28, of Queen Elizabeth Drive, Paignton, hit elderly holidaymakers Mrs Tegwen Ellis, 75, and her husband Frank, 76, with his BMW convertible on Belgrave Road, Torquay, on 31 August 2006. The couple from Porset Drive, Caerphilly, were crossing the road after a bingo game during their holiday at the Derwent Hotel. Sherratt was driving between 29 and 35mph, failed to see them despite having ample time and distance, and struck them outside the Rainbow Hotel. Mrs Ellis died at Torbay District Hospital; her husband sustained severe injuries.

Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Judge Graham Cottle noted significant credit for guilty plea but described sentencing as difficult and potentially inadequate.

1 Jan 0001

Lee Willoughby

Breach of restraining order *

Sentence

4 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

On 06/10/2026 at Paignton breached a restraining order by contacting a named female.

Pleaded guilty.

1 Jan 0001

Kenny Lewis

Sexual misconduct *

Sentence

4 years imprisonment

Kenny Lewis, a 26-year-old former Avon and Somerset Police constable, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court after pleading guilty to six charges of sexual misconduct and two counts of misusing police computers. While on duty, he systematically targeted vulnerable women involved in crimes as witnesses, victims, or perpetrators. He would introduce himself under false pretences to gain their trust and induce them into performing sexual acts. One victim, a 33-year-old pole dancer, was restrained with handcuffs on two occasions; Lewis told her, 'There is no point opening your mouth. No one is going to listen to a stripper.' He also accessed confidential files on the Police National Computer to locate vulnerable individuals. Lewis resigned from the force in December 2008 before his conviction.

Pleaded guilty to six charges of sexual misconduct and two counts of misusing police computers. Former police constable who abused his position to target vulnerable women. Judge described actions as 'little short of rape'.

1 Jan 0001

Lee Blatchford

Arranging penetrative sexual activity with a child *

Sentence

Extended sentence of 10 years (custodial term of 6 years and 9 months, with licence extension to make total 10 years)

Lee Blatchford, a 46-year-old convicted paedophile formerly known as Lee Jowett, began exchanging messages online at the end of January 2026 with a woman he believed was the mother of a nine-year-old girl. He discussed sexually abusing the child, sent explicit videos, and arranged a meeting at a café in Exeter city centre. He arrived with a rucksack containing a digital camera and overnight clothing, intending to abuse the child on what he called a 'first date'. The 'mother' was in fact an undercover police officer, and no child existed. He was arrested at the scene.

Pleaded guilty to arranging penetrative sexual activity with a child and intentionally encouraging a child sex assault. Had a previous conviction in 2017 for a similar offence, for which he was jailed for 3 years and 4 months. Assessed as high risk to children. Judge David Evans noted he had previously claimed to have 'woken up' to the harm caused but had minimised his offending and remained dangerous.

1 Jan 0001

Joshua Theophanides

Rape *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment

Joshua Theophanides, a 37-year-old man from Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, was convicted of one count of rape and three counts of stalking after a trial at Exeter Crown Court. He brutally raped a woman, causing devastating psychological impact. He also created multiple fake social media accounts to stalk the victims, including the rape victim, an individual known to her, and another woman from a dating app, to obtain private information for sexual gratification. He denied the allegations, claiming a conspiracy, but was found guilty by the jury. The investigating officer described him as a 'master of manipulation'.

Convicted of one count of rape and three counts of stalking. Extended licence period of 4 years following custody. Required to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years. Restraining orders imposed to protect all three victims.

1 Jan 0001

Justin Llewellyn

Intentional suffocation *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment

On 10 November 2025 at Newton Abbot, intentionally suffocated a female.

Plea: Guilty. Restraining order imposed.

1 Jan 0001

Keith Gibson

Distributing indecent images of children *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Keith Gibson, a computer engineer from Milford Cottages, Kennford (recently moved to River Drive, Cullompton, Devon), had 2,300 still and moving images of children on his computer, which he distributed to an internet paedophile ring. Content included the rape of babies under six-months-old, a three-year-old, and girls aged about three and 10. He exchanged child sex fantasies and images in chat rooms, posing as children. Caught through an investigation by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection squad in London. Police seized equipment from his computer repair business, finding 1,682 still images and 638 movies, with just under 1,000 in the most serious category.

Admitted 10 offences of making, four of distributing and two of possessing indecent images. Judge Francis Gilbert QC described it as one of the most serious cases of this type he had heard, with pre-meditated, well-planned and persistent behaviour.

1 Jan 0001

Connor Calam

Disposing of controlled waste without environmental permit *

Sentence

Fined £2,000 for breaching a suspended prison sentence, 12-month community order, £2,500 costs, £260 compensation, £85 victim surcharge

Connor Calam fly-tipped a large quantity of rubble and other building waste from insurance repairs on a property in Plymouth across a track near Pudson Farm, Okehampton, between 10 and 27 February 2017, blocking access to three fields. The waste was traced to his company Plymouth Skip Hire in Stonehouse, Plymouth. He was paid £245 by Zenith Construction Ltd to remove it, despite not being a registered waste carrier.

Found guilty of disposing of controlled waste without an environmental permit. His Honour Judge Ralls QC said fly-tipping is a serious matter and warned he escaped prison 'by the skin of his teeth'. Breached suspended sentence for driving offences.

1 Jan 0001

Connor Thunder

Inflicting GBH without intent *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

On 02/08/2021 at Cullompton jointly with another inflicted GBH without intent on a male.

Pleaded guilty. Compensation £2,000.

1 Jan 0001

Corey Viney

Sexual communication with a child *

Sentence

3 year community order

At Newton Abbot three offences of engaging in sexual communication with a child. Between 13/06/2017 and 23/06/2017 at Newton Abbot made indecent photographs of a child in all categories of seriousness by downloading.

Pleaded guilty. Includes rehabilitation activity for 20 days and 80 hours' unpaid work. Sign sex offenders register.

1 Jan 0001

Daniel Robinson

Attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Daniel Robinson, of Conygar View, Dunster, pretended to be a 17-year-old boy named and contacted what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl called Libby on the kids' channel of the Chat Avenue website in June 2017. The conversation was sexual in nature; he suggested a video call in which he proposed to masturbate, urged her to show her breasts and vaginal areas on Skype, and to touch herself sexually. The 'girl' was an undercover Metropolitan Police officer in a Scotland Yard sting. Details were passed to Devon and Cornwall Police in Barnstaple, who searched his home and found four indecent images of young girls on his computer, which he admitted receiving from chat room contacts.

Admitted attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage a child in sexual communication, and making indecent images of children. Made subject of a sexual harm prevention order restricting contact with children and internet use. Recorder Jonathan Barnes presiding. Offences aggravated by previous rape conviction. Not classified as a dangerous offender. Recommended for sex offender treatment programme.

1 Jan 0001

Cosmin-Nicolae Vasioiu

Rape *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment with 5 year extended licence

On June 18, 2022, Cosmin-Nicolae Vasioiu, a 47-year-old Romanian national living in a garden shed on Topsham Road, Exeter, followed a lone drunk woman walking home through Exeter city centre after a night out. CCTV captured him lurking for 105 minutes, approaching another woman before targeting the victim near Iron Bridge and raping her in Catacombs cemetery. She screamed for help, was found naked and bruised; he fled, dropping his baseball cap, later shaved his head and had a friend wash his clothes to destroy evidence.

Found guilty by jury after trial; classed as dangerous offender; prior conviction for similar rape in Switzerland; judge noted misogynistic views and high risk of reoffending.

1 Jan 0001

Daniel Higham

ABH *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

On January 23, 2026, Daniel Higham, of Baston Gardens in Paignton, suffered a psychotic episode and attacked two flatmates in their house of multiple occupancy with a chef's knife. He came running out of his room like a 'raging lunatic', shouting about his bike being stolen. One flatmate was cut to the back of his head during a struggle; the second suffered a puncture wound to the abdomen, cut to back and cut to head while helping to disarm him. Neither needed hospital treatment. Higham was on bail at the time for assaulting police: in September 2025 at Torquay Police Station he strangled, kicked and punched an officer; in October 2025 he punched an officer and spat in another's face.

Admitted two charges of ABH. Also sentenced for assaulting three police officers in separate incidents. Has 42 prior convictions including seven for violence. Suffering from schizoaffective disorder but now stable on medication. Judge noted he presents a danger to the public but no extended sentence required; will serve up to half in custody.

1 Jan 0001

Daniel Tinson

Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply *

Sentence

5 years and 8 months' imprisonment

On 10/02/2026 at Torquay had possession of 26.4 grams of diamorphine and 5.92 grams of crack cocaine, class A controlled drugs, with intent to supply.

Pleaded guilty.

1 Jan 0001

Dante De Cordova

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *

Sentence

2 years and 10 months imprisonment

On or about 08/06/2025 at Exmouth, assaulted a female causing her actual bodily harm. Also possession of a knife in a public place.

Plea: Guilty. Reason for custody: unprovoked attack of a serious nature. Restraining order. Banned from Exmouth.

1 Jan 0001

Christopher Garrett

Running a waste facility without a permit and disposing of asbestos waste *

Sentence

32 months imprisonment

Christopher Garrett, 64, repeatedly imported around 12,000 tonnes of controlled mixed construction and demolition waste, including asbestos, onto land designated as a floodplain at his home alongside the A380 dual carriageway in Devon between July 2018 and May 2022. He burnt some of the waste and buried large quantities of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM), posing a risk to the environment and human health. He received hundreds of thousands of pounds for the illegal tipping despite previous prosecutions and warnings from the Environment Agency. The site remediation cost is estimated at least £2.5 million, with his financial benefit at £2.88 million.

Pleaded guilty to running a waste facility without a permit, and for disposing of waste material, namely asbestos, in a manner likely to harm the environment or human health. Ordered to pay over £200,000 as part of a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation sum. Repeat offender with prior suspended sentence in 2016. Judge Adkin described the offences as 'industrial scale environmental contamination committed by an individual'.

1 Jan 0001

Christopher Copeland

Fraud by false representation *

Sentence

4.5 years imprisonment

Christopher Copeland stole £300,000 donated by the public who believed it was going to the charity Help for Heroes. Over 18 months between February 2010 and September 2011, he and a team of paid fundraisers used ex-military vehicles with Help for Heroes branding to collect cash in buckets from supermarket shoppers. He deposited the money into his personal bank account. The fraud was uncovered when a volunteer became suspicious and tipped off Devon and Cornwall Police, who found almost nothing had been paid to the charity.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and concealing criminal property. Judge Philip Wassall said he abused public goodwill and risked the reputation of Help for Heroes.

1 Jan 0001

Christopher Reed

Criminal damage *

Sentence

15 months imprisonment

Christopher Reed was seen on CCTV in the early hours smashing the window of Parrotts barbershop in Queens Walk, causing an estimated £2,300 in damage. He had previously received a suspended sentence in December for seven thefts and five breaches of a criminal behaviour order, but just 10 days later he was shoplifting. He rarely turned up for appointments, showed minimal effort with probation and admitted breaching the order. The final straw came on 6 June when he caused criminal damage to the barbershop. The owner said it was a family-run business, only open for three months. Reed, a drug addict, said the theft was for food not drugs, and he had problems getting Universal Credit. He was also subject to an exclusion order not to enter parts of Barnstaple.

Pleaded guilty to criminal damage, theft and breaching his suspended sentence. The judge said he had 'no choice' due to 151 previous crimes and being subject to a suspended sentence at the time.

1 Jan 0001

Clay Bamford

Rape and sexual assault *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

In May 2022, two 13-year-old schoolgirls were drinking with street drinkers near Exeter Cathedral. They ended up at the flat of Paul Bamford, father of Clay Bamford. Clay Bamford arrived and continued drinking. He raped one of the girls on the floor under a duvet while she dissociated and watched TikTok videos to cope. He sexually assaulted the other girl by putting his hands inside her clothing. The second victim considered jumping from the first-floor balcony to escape but stayed with her friend. Both victims suffered severe trauma: the rape victim attempted suicide and continues counselling, and the second victim has nightmares and flashbacks.

Pleaded not guilty. Found guilty by jury at Exeter Crown Court in December 2023. Judge Stephen Climie described the girls as vulnerable and noted Bamford took advantage of their age, vulnerability, and alcohol consumption. Placed on the sex offenders' register for life. Prior convictions for a street attack and assaulting a fellow inmate, but no history of sexual offending.

1 Jan 0001

Clint Barnes

Indecent assault *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, £2,500 compensation, 250 hours unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Clint Barnes was convicted of three indecent assaults dating back more than 20 years against a single victim, a boy under 16 for two of the offences. The offences involved making lewd comments and grabbing the victim's genitals over clothing.

Convicted by jury. Judge noted offences serious enough for immediate custody but suspended due to new sentencing guidelines under Sentencing Act 2020 presuming suspension for sentences of 12 months or less.

1 Jan 0001

Brian Wright

Possession of a bladed article *

Sentence

12 months imprisonment suspended for 21 months

On 17/06/2025 at Kingskerswell Road, Torquay, had without good reason or lawful authority, in a public place Torquay Holiday Park, an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely black handled kitchen knife with a blade.

Plea: Guilty. Unpaid work for 80 hours.

1 Jan 0001

Bruce Marshall

Indecent assault, gross indecency and rape of a child *

Sentence

9 years imprisonment

Bruce Marshall, aged 84 from Meadway, Bridgwater, indecently assaulted a girl under the age of 14 years, committed gross indecency with a child, and raped a girl under 16 at Taunton.

Plea: Guilty.

1 Jan 0001

Adam Mccarthy

Robbery *

Sentence

4 years in a young offender institution

Adam McCarthy and Samuel Todd threatened violence to menace victims in Barnstaple in a series of knifepoint street robberies that left multiple victims traumatised.

Aged 20. Admitted offences of robbery, attempted robbery and affray.

1 Jan 0001

Andrew Malone

Indecent assault *

Sentence

seven-year prison sentence

Andrew Malone sexually abused his stepdaughter Rachel Maughan on a daily basis from when she was 8 until his arrest when she was 11, starting after he moved into the family home in 2002. The abuse began with grooming, escalated to include penetration, and occurred every night and sometimes during the day.

Entered guilty pleas to five counts of indecent assault, one count of assault on a child under 13 by penetration, and five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 in September 2008.

1 Jan 0001

Alan Walley

Fraud *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Between 01/07/2024 and 09/07/2024 at Totnes committed fraud by false representation by requesting payment for work that was not completed.

Plea: Guilty. Rehabilitation activity. Unpaid work for 200 hours. Compensation.

1 Jan 0001

Alain Collings

Arranging child sexual abuse *

Sentence

18 years imprisonment

Alain Collings, a 39-year-old from Witheridge, Devon, orchestrated the sexual abuse of up to 46 children and toddlers in the Philippines by paying women £33,000 via Skype to perform abusive acts while he watched and recorded them from the UK. He directed the abuse in real-time. Police found 102 hours of abuse material, 261 videos, and nearly 2,000 indecent images on his devices, including images of him abusing a two-year-old. He was identified through IP monitoring and confirmed by matching unique features in the footage. He admitted offences including sexual assault on a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, arranging sexual offences against children, and making indecent images of children.

Pleaded guilty to multiple child sexual offences. Judge Recorder David Bartlett described the behaviour as 'abhorrent' and stated it was one of the worst cases he had encountered.

1 Jan 0001

Barry Jones

False imprisonment and grievous bodily harm *

Sentence

4 years 4 months imprisonment

Barry Jones, 28, originally from Liverpool but living in Wykes Road, Exeter, launched a vigilante attack on a 65-year-old man in a flat in Torquay on February 22, 2021. After a 15-year-old boy delivered crack cocaine to the property, Jones falsely accused the victim of making a sexual comment. He dragged the bleeding man into a living room, bound him to a chair with gaffer tape and told him, 'You're my hostage for the night.' Jones barricaded the door with a wardrobe and forced the victim to wash his blood off in the shower while fully clothed. He struck the victim with a metal table leg, causing a fractured wrist and two broken eye sockets. Jones then took a photo of the victim's broken face and posted it online with the word 'NONCE' superimposed over it, joking that he looked like 'The Elephant Man.'

Vigilante attack; falsely accused victim of making a sexual comment; posted photo of victim's injuries online with the word 'NONCE' superimposed.

1 Jan 0001

Ambrose Smith

Fraud *

Sentence

14 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Between 01/07/2024 and 09/07/2024 at Totnes committed fraud in that dishonestly made a false representation, namely that work was required to the roof of a person’s home address that was not required and then, upon commencing work, requested payments from her for work that was not completed, for materials that were never purchased and over-charged for work that was not carried out or not required, intending to make a gain.

Plea: Guilty. Rehabilitation activity. Unpaid work for 150 hours. Compensation.

1 Jan 0001

Brandon Mcdonald

Strangulation *

Sentence

17 months imprisonment

On December 1 of last year, Brandon McDonald, 29, argued with his partner in a taxi travelling from Brixham to Torquay over accusations she was texting someone else. As they crawled through traffic in Paignton, she tried to escape by opening the door but McDonald grabbed her and put her in a headlock, holding her around the neck for between 45 seconds and a minute while saying 'You're not f****** going anywhere'. Her feet were out of the door. He repeated the headlock a second time when she tried to escape again. The victim was clearly upset. The taxi driver recognised them from previous journeys where they had not paid and considered driving to a police station. McDonald called the driver a 'c***' and walked off without paying.

Admitted strangulation. Of no fixed address, has 10 previous crimes on his record, first for domestic violence. Judge David Evans noted he had previously been given chances by the court and had not cooperated.

1 Jan 0001

Besart Kastrati

Possessing cocaine with intent to supply *

Sentence

3 years imprisonment

Besart Kastrati, a 25-year-old Albanian who entered the UK illegally more than three years ago, could not find permanent work and began dealing cocaine around Barnstaple to make money for day-to-day living due to financial problems and concerns for his parents' ill health. Police spotted him dealing; he tripped while fleeing, threw bags over a wall which were recovered containing cocaine. His home in Vicarage Lawn, Barnstaple, was searched finding more drugs and £920 in cash.

Admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply. Judge Stephen Climie noted supplying cocaine ruins lives and accepted he was driven by concerns for his parents' ill health. Will be deported after sentence.

1 Jan 0001

Benjamin Goldsworthy

Sexual assault of a child and assault by penetration *

Sentence

7 years imprisonment

Benjamin Goldsworthy, of Bugle Place, Newton Abbot, sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl at his home. The victim was visiting and playing a computer game when Goldsworthy touched her breasts and private parts in a manner resembling online pornography he had accessed hours earlier. The abuse occurred in February 2019 and was disclosed when the victim's parents noticed she was upset. A forensic phone examination revealed child sex stories downloaded days before the offences. The victim suffered severe psychological trauma and avoids physical contact.

Pleaded not guilty but found guilty by jury. Additional one-year extended licence period. Declared an offender of particular concern and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. Barred from working with children.

1 Jan 0001

Jon Andrewes

Fraud *

Sentence

2 years imprisonment

Jon Andrewes, 63, a former builder, fabricated qualifications on his CV to secure senior NHS and hospice roles. Over 12 years he falsely claimed a doctorate, an MBA, and a master's degree, while holding only a diploma in social work. He earned over £1 million as chief executive of St Margaret's Hospice, chairman of Torbay Care Trust, and chairman of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. The fraud came to light and he pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly making a false representation and one count of making a financial gain.

Pleaded guilty to fraud and obtaining money by deception. The judge described his life as based upon a series of staggering lies.

1 Jan 0001

Jonathan Fulcher

Making indecent images of children *

Sentence

8 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Jonathan Fulcher, a former police constable from Crediton, Devon, posted indecent images of himself and engaged in explicit online chat with US agents posing as a 13-year-old girl while serving with Devon and Cornwall Police. He posted pictures in uniform alongside images of his genitals. 290 indecent images of children were discovered on his computer, including four category A images. He pleaded guilty to making indecent images, possessing ammunition without a certificate, and owning a noxious Pava spray without authorisation. Lost his career and marriage.

Pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, possessing ammunition without a certificate, and owning a noxious Pava spray without authorisation. Bipolar disorder cited as mitigating factor. Ordered to attend sex offenders treatment programme and 20 days rehabilitation activities. 10-year sex offenders register, Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed.

1 Jan 0001

Jonathan Rowe

Rape *

Sentence

11 years imprisonment with one-year extended licence

Jonathan Rowe, 49-year-old former chemistry teacher and assistant principal at Eggbuckland Community College, raped a blindfolded girl aged eight to 10, filming himself and transferring footage to his school laptop. He raped her while she was asleep. He was caught after the girl told her mother he had blindfolded her to pose for pictures. A mother had previously warned him about inappropriate behaviour with her six-year-old daughter in a beach rock pool. Officers found a video focusing on the breasts of a 13-year-old girl on a trampoline. Rowe, of Higher Dean, Buckfastleigh, TQ11.

Admitted three rapes, two counts of sexual activity with a child, five counts of taking indecent images of victims, three counts of making indecent images. Judge David Evans described his actions as 'depraved' and noted he had lived a 'double life' with a 'sexual interest in children'. Ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life and banned from going within 50m of any school or taking photographs or videos of children.

1 Jan 0001

John Leigh

Possessing and making indecent photos of children *

Sentence

16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 30 days rehabilitation activity requirement, Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, £425 costs

John Leigh, a 55-year-old builder from Exmouth (now living in Southampton), pretended to be a 14-year-old girl called 'Tina' to discuss child sex abuse fantasies online with other perverts in forums and chat rooms, sometimes dressing in female clothing. Over more than four years, he downloaded and shared 87 photos and movies of children being abused, including children as young as four, with 15 images in the most serious category found on his laptop and memory stick. Police executed a warrant at his home in July 2017 after information about distribution.

Pleaded guilty to possessing and making indecent photos of children. Of previous good character with realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Judge noted contact with like-minded individuals online under pseudonym 'Tina'. Cooperated with police and seeking counselling.

1 Jan 0001

Jessica Ann Smith

Attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming *

Sentence

2 years and 10 months imprisonment

In July 2018, Jessica Ann Smith, 41, set up an online profile pretending to be a 21-year-old woman and communicated with what she believed was a 14-year-old girl but was actually a decoy from a paedophile hunter group. She sent sexual pictures and arranged to meet in person. When told a 12-year-old might also come, she encouraged it and indicated the 12-year-old should be part of sexual activity. When the group arrived, they found Smith hiding in bushes dressed as a male. She tried to talk her way out but police were called. Smith initially denied intending to meet an underage girl or commit a sexual act, but later admitted the offences.

Pleaded guilty to four offences. Vulnerable person with psychological issues, undergoing gender reassignment, terrified of male prison, mild learning disabilities, depression and anxiety.

1 Jan 0001

Jessica Smith

Attempting to incite a child into sexual activity *

Sentence

4 years and 4 months imprisonment

In January 2025, Jessica Smith attempted to incite a child to sexual activity by communicating online with an individual she believed was a 12-year-old girl, who was actually an undercover police officer. Smith also breached a Sexual Harm Prevention Order by creating internet accounts and possessing a laptop without notifying police. She had a previous conviction in 2021 for arranging to meet a 14-year-old decoy and was caught by paedophile hunters.

Pleaded guilty to six offences: four breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and two attempts to incite a child to sexual activity. The judge noted a significant element of mental ill-health and risk of future offending but did not impose an extended sentence. A Sexual Offences Prevention Order was imposed until further order.

1 Jan 0001

John Blatchford

Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order *

Sentence

22 months imprisonment

John Blatchford, of Blackwater Mews, Totton, Southampton, created a six-page handwritten guide in 2017 for another prisoner at Dartmoor Prison in Devon on how to access child abuse images and movies on the dark web without detection by police, including names of illegal websites. This breached his SHPO which banned discussing child sexual abuse. He was already serving a six-year sentence for attempting to commit sexual offences against two girls aged seven and nine, having sent child abuse images to a police officer posing as a fellow paedophile.

Admitted breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Created guide while on sex offenders' wing at Dartmoor Prison. Fingerprints identified him as author. Judge Paul Cook noted it was a 'paedophile manual or blueprint' demonstrating determination to commit offences and encourage others.

1 Jan 0001

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

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

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

+441392415300

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

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance

Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00

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About Exeter Crown Court

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

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

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

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

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

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Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

Michael Romanowicz

Monika Richards

Mathew Willoughby

Matthew Broom

Merwais Nasiri

Maurice Ferriter

Martin Lang

Mark Williams

Lucia Suteu

Luke Prato

Liam Squire

Lewis Wood

Lee Sherratt

Lee Willoughby

Kenny Lewis

Lee Blatchford

Joshua Theophanides

Justin Llewellyn

Keith Gibson

Connor Calam

Connor Thunder

Corey Viney

Daniel Robinson

Cosmin-Nicolae Vasioiu

Daniel Higham

Daniel Tinson

Dante De Cordova

Christopher Garrett

Christopher Copeland

Christopher Reed

Clay Bamford

Clint Barnes

Brian Wright

Bruce Marshall

Adam Mccarthy

Andrew Malone

Alan Walley

Alain Collings

Barry Jones

Ambrose Smith

Brandon Mcdonald

Besart Kastrati

Benjamin Goldsworthy

Jon Andrewes

Jonathan Fulcher

Jonathan Rowe

John Leigh

Jessica Ann Smith

Jessica Smith

John Blatchford

About Exeter Crown Court

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Exeter- North & East Devon Magistrates Court

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