Exeter Crown Court Sentencing Results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toby John Wheddon

Sexual risk order

October 14, 2025

Sentence: Sexual risk order for three years with prohibitions including having contact or communication of any kind with any male under the age of 18

Toby John Wheddon was subject to an application for a sexual risk order, which was made for three years with specified prohibitions.

Alexandra Aspinall

Drink driving

October 13, 2025

Sentence: Disqualified for 12 months. Fine £120

On 11/07/2025 at Exmouth on Churchill Road, Alexandra Aspinall was caught drink driving with 58mg of alcohol in 100ml breath.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Abdul Hashem

Kidnapping and Blackmail

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Abdul Hashem, 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

Shane Berry

Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 6 years imprisonment

Shane Berry, amid a long-standing feud with his neighbour in Exminster, armed himself with a knife and a metal pole, entered the victim's house on July 11, knocked the victim to the ground, hit him multiple times on the head with the pole, and attempted to stab him. The victim, Mark Taylor, suffered two head wounds requiring 24 staples and a defensive wound to his hand, leaving him terrified to leave his house.

Admitted to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and threatening with offensive weapons. No relevant previous convictions; the judge noted that the area had become a battleground and that Berry was fortunate not to face a life sentence due to the intent to cause serious harm.

Sources: devonlive.com

Rayhan Al Din

Kidnapping and Blackmail

September 19, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 2 months imprisonment

Rayhan Al Din, 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

Kevin Davis

Stalking

September 17, 2025

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment

Kevin Davis, a 41-year-old former PC from Seaton, contacted a much younger woman on social media in January 2025, sending unwanted direct messages. He also approached her at the gym where they were both members, making her feel vulnerable and unsafe. Additionally, he accessed a police database for non-policing purposes, contrary to the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Pleaded guilty to stalking and causing a computer to perform a function with intent to secure unauthorised access. Was a serving police officer who was suspended and later resigned.

Sources: devonlive.com

Stephen Huxtable

Possession and distribution of indecent images of children

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 2 years and 4 months imprisonment

Stephen Huxtable, 59, of Moorfield Road, Exmouth, downloaded and shared over 100,000 indecent images and videos of children being abused, including more than 17,000 in category A, nearly 20,000 in category B, and 67,841 in category C. He also possessed 142 prohibited images of children and extreme images involving bestiality. The offences occurred between September 2009 and January 2024, with police involvement starting after an image was uploaded to his Instagram account in 2021. He shared access to a 'mega file' of images with an undercover officer and continued offending after being released under investigation.

Pleaded guilty to nine charges under the Protection of Children Act. Diagnosed with autism, which was cited as a factor in his hoarding behaviour. The judge noted he posed a low risk of reoffending but continued offending while under investigation.

Sources: devonlive.com

Clara Guttridge

Stalking

September 16, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment and an extended 3-year licence period

Clara Guttridge from Brixham conducted a campaign of stalking and harassment against two victims by sending hate-filled and threatening messages between January 7 and February 6, 2025. She ignored warnings to stop, causing victims extreme distress, including one who quit their job and described the situation as a 'vile' and 'horrific nightmare'. She was deemed a dangerous offender due to her obsessive and paranoid personality.

Pled guilty to two offences of stalking and breaching a suspended sentence. Has 16 previous convictions for similar offending. Offending linked to mental health issues from a relationship breakdown.

Sources: devonlive.com

Ryan Coleman

Drug Trafficking

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 15 years in prison

Ryan Coleman, aged 36, from Sherwell Valley Road, operated a drug trafficking network from his Torquay home, selling cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, and ketamine on dark web marketplaces under the pseudonym 'Snowcap' for six years. He conducted approximately 18,500 sales of around 80kg of Class A and B drugs valued at over £1 million. Police seized his computer and devices during a warrant in 2021, uncovering evidence of cryptocurrency laundering and use of proceeds for his lifestyle, including holidays and personal training. He was arrested after attempting to conceal assets.

Pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, and ketamine, and to possession of criminal property. Attempted to hide cryptocurrency assets before arrest.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

Leonardo Linhares

Possession with intent to supply

September 12, 2025

Sentence: 2.5 years imprisonment

Leonardo Linhares, a 25-year-old Brazilian man, overstayed his tourist visa after arriving in the UK and accumulated debt through gambling and cash-in-hand work. He was pulled over by police in Exeter in June, where officers found 21 bags of cocaine hidden in a biscuit tube in his car, along with £740 on the driver's seat. He initially claimed the drugs were for personal use but later admitted the truth, stating he had agreed to transport them for others in exchange for payment.

Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply. Overstayed visa, got into debt, and was told he will serve 40 per cent of his sentence and likely be deported upon release.

Sources: devonlive.com

Reece Moult

Causing GBH with intent

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years and 9 months imprisonment

Reece Moult was involved in a drunken street brawl outside a nightclub in Torquay on May 3, 2025. He mistakenly stabbed a peacemaker in the shoulder with a 6 to 8-inch knife, causing a deep 4cm wound, and also attacked a doorman who was trying to intervene. CCTV footage showed him holding the knife and engaging in 'ape-like' aggression, remaining at the scene until police arrived. The victim suffered severe psychological trauma and is now afraid to go into town.

Pleaded guilty to the charges. Has a history of violence including previous convictions for GBH, ABH, and affray. Was extremely drunk at the time and expressed remorse and shame.

Sources: devonlive.com

Andrew Holland

Conspiracy to Burgle

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Andrew Holland, from Torquay, and Jason Robins committed 44 burglaries over a nine-month period starting in September 2024, targeting commercial premises in the South West, North Yorkshire, and Cheshire. They broke into service stations, golf clubs, takeaways, cafes, garages, shops, and attractions such as South Devon Heritage Railway, Longcombe Garden Centre, Teignmouth Golf Club, and Crealy Theme Park. They stole alcohol, power tools, cash totalling nearly £14,000, and vehicles, while causing damage worth over £24,000. They were identified through CCTV and DNA evidence, including blood and a cigarette at crime scenes, and were arrested as part of Operation Lizardfish.

Admitted conspiracy to burgle. Has 115 previous crimes, including eight for burglary. Offences committed to feed drug habits. Will serve 40% of sentence in prison and the rest on licence. Banned from driving for two years from release.

Sources: devonlive.com

Jason Robbins

Burglary

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Jason Robbins and Andrew Holland conducted a nine-month spree of 44 burglaries targeting commercial premises, including garden centres, tourist attractions, service stations, golf clubs, cafes, garages, and shops in the South West, North Yorkshire, and Cheshire between September 2024 and June 2025. They stole £13,760 in cash and £15,790 in property, while causing £24,350 in damage. The pair were apprehended through CCTV footage, phone evidence, DNA from one site, and a discarded cigarette at another. Despite being arrested and bailed once, they continued their offences, involving significant planning and causing substantial losses to businesses.

Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle. Has 40 previous convictions for 93 offences. Turned to cocaine use following family bereavements and funded the habit through burglaries. Also banned from driving for two years upon release.

Sources: middevonadvertiser.co.uk

Jason Robins

Conspiracy to Burgle

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 4 years imprisonment

Jason Robins, from Teignmouth, and Andrew Holland committed 44 burglaries over a nine-month period starting in September 2024, targeting commercial premises in the South West, North Yorkshire, and Cheshire. They broke into service stations, golf clubs, takeaways, cafes, garages, shops, and attractions such as South Devon Heritage Railway, Longcombe Garden Centre, Teignmouth Golf Club, and Crealy Theme Park. They stole alcohol, power tools, cash totalling nearly £14,000, and vehicles, while causing damage worth over £24,000. They were identified through CCTV and DNA evidence, including blood and a cigarette at crime scenes, and were arrested as part of Operation Lizardfish.

Admitted conspiracy to burgle. Has 93 previous offences. Was consumed by a £300-a-day cocaine habit at the time. Offences committed to feed drug habits. Will serve 40% of sentence in prison and the rest on licence. Banned from driving for two years from release.

Sources: devonlive.com

Jemma Cruse

Arson

September 11, 2025

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Jemma Cruse started a fire in her own home in College View, Tiverton, on November 17, 2024, causing £130,000 worth of damage by igniting cardboard boxes and mattresses. Four months later, on April 2, she started another fire at her ex-partner's house in St Peter Street, Tiverton, after removing sentimental items, targeting the bedroom, living room, and sofa. Her actions were driven by personal turmoil, drug misuse, and a personality disorder, endangering neighbouring properties and lives.

Admitted two arsons. Crimes linked to drug use and failing mental health. Has previous convictions for criminal damage and assaulting police. Judge noted she risked lives with reckless actions and was at her wits' end.

Sources: devonlive.com

Cai Whitmarsh-Williams

Supply of Class A and B drugs

September 10, 2025

Sentence: 2 years suspended sentence with 180 hours of unpaid work

Cai Whitmarsh-Williams operated a drug supply business via Telegram under the name Exotics South West, selling THC-infused vape oil, sweets, herbal cannabis, and pre-rolled cigarettes. He arranged deliveries, including parcels sent from a Spar shop in Honiton, which were intercepted by suspicious staff in December 2021, leading to his arrest in January 2022. Police searches uncovered drugs with a street value of £12,130 and £25,000 in cash at his home. The offences occurred at the end of 2021 and beginning of 2022, and he received payments exceeding £63,000 into his bank account since May 2019.

Pleaded guilty to the offences; no previous convictions; solicitor noted his 'entrepreneurial brain' and remorse; judge commented on the excessive delay in charging.

Sources: devonlive.com

Callum Sangan

Supply of cannabis and cocaine

September 8, 2025

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and £100 costs

Callum Sangan was stopped by police in Torquay in February 2022 for not displaying L-plates on his motorbike. Officers seized 53.6g of cannabis with a street value of £700 and £10,810 in cash, which he claimed he was holding for someone else and was for his own use. A subsequent search found additional cannabis, a lock knife, and two phones that showed evidence of dealing cannabis and cocaine since late 2021. He has previous convictions for violence, dishonesty, and possession of drugs. The case took over three years to reach court, during which time the defendant transformed his life.

Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine, and a money laundering offence. Judge noted the defendant had rehabilitated himself, secured a job and accommodation, and had good prospects, making imprisonment unnecessary.

Sources: devonlive.com

No sentences found matching your search.