Plymouth Crown Court Sentencing Results

Talha Redwan was dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Cambridge Road, Plymouth, on November 4, 2024, when he was approached aggressively by Shane Sweet, armed with a hammer, and Ben Davis, who threatened him with a liquid. Redwan carried a kitchen knife for protection as advised by a more experienced criminal. During the altercation, he used the knife in self-defence, resulting in Sweet's death. He was acquitted of murder but sentenced for possessing the knife in a public place.

Colin Taylor, aged 67 and of no fixed abode, set light to his flat in a block in Vauxhall Street, Barbican, Plymouth, on May 30, 2024, which put other lives at risk. Firefighters from Greenbank, Camel's Head, and Plymstock stations, along with police and paramedics, responded to the incident. One resident was rescued and treated for smoke inhalation, and the road was closed for several hours due to the emergency response.

Peter Wilkinson, of Drake Gardens in Tavistock, preyed upon five vulnerable women in the Tavistock area between 2012 and 2024. He subjected them to rape, serious sexual assault, physical assaults, and strangulation, causing lasting trauma. He was arrested in October 2023 after reports of abuse, and a jury found him guilty of 21 offences following a trial that included testimony from the victims about the profound impact on their lives.

While serving a prison sentence at HMP Dartmoor, Christopher Thompson possessed a smuggled Zanco mobile phone and charger in his cell, which was discovered on 18 July 2022. He used the phone to make over 700 calls and send messages to his ex-partner between 14 June 2022 and 22 June 2022, including extremely abusive and threatening content such as threats to kill her and her family. The phone was also used to contact his mother and was shared among other prisoners.

Andrew Archer breached a restraining order imposed in December 2023 by being found in the company of a prohibited woman at Treluggan Boatyard, Landrake on 22 December.

Alexzander Pearce, a 30-year-old dad of two and stepdad of one, sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on a train near Truro train station on March 11, 2021. He approached the only other passenger in the carriage, sat in front of her, and touched her thighs without consent while rubbing his crotch. He asked if she wanted to see his penis and, when asked to stop, caressed her naked breasts inside her bra, leaving her frozen, shocked, and scared. The incident occurred during Covid restrictions when fewer people were travelling on public transport. He was caught and the assault was reported.