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Billy Scamp|Robbery|Maidstone Crown CourtMartine Keen|Assault by beating|Medway Magistrates CourtDouglas Daniel|Child cruelty|Not statedBarbara Daniel|Child cruelty|Not statedAlbert Cooper|Failing to provide a specimen for analysis when in charge of a vehicle|Medway Magistrates’ CourtLauren Kinrade|Perverting the course of justice|Maidstone Crown CourtSam Levett|Rape and Sexual Assault|Central Criminal CourtNot stated|Rape|Canterbury Crown CourtBilly Scamp|Robbery|Maidstone Crown CourtMartine Keen|Assault by beating|Medway Magistrates CourtDouglas Daniel|Child cruelty|Not statedBarbara Daniel|Child cruelty|Not statedAlbert Cooper|Failing to provide a specimen for analysis when in charge of a vehicle|Medway Magistrates’ CourtLauren Kinrade|Perverting the course of justice|Maidstone Crown CourtSam Levett|Rape and Sexual Assault|Central Criminal CourtNot stated|Rape|Canterbury Crown Court

Taunton Crown Court Sentencing Results

March 2026 1 case
Michael Goodbody
Sexual Assault *
Sentence
25 months imprisonment
Michael Goodbody, aged 23 from Highlands, Tadmarton, Oxfordshire, sexually assaulted a young woman in Minehead on March 3, 2024, knowing she did not consent to his actions.
Initially pleaded not guilty but changed plea to guilty in January. Ordered to pay £228 surcharge, register with police for 10 years after release, and may be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
17 Mar 2026
wsfp.co.uk
January 2026 2 cases
Gary Conquer
Burglary *
Sentence
876 days imprisonment
Gary Conquer broke into a home in the Abbey Manor Park area overnight between October 8-9, 2025, while the victim was asleep. He forced his way into the property and stole a rucksack containing a wallet. He was caught on CCTV, arrested a couple of weeks later, and charged with burglary.
Pleaded guilty to burglary. One bicycle theft taken into consideration.
23 Jan 2026
somersetlive.co.uk
Christopher Cornish
Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm *
Sentence
4 years and 6 months imprisonment
On the evening of Monday, August 18, 2025, Christopher Cornish, 35, of no fixed abode, Taunton, was stealing from a convenience store in East Street, Taunton. A man in his 50s intervened to detain him. Cornish struck the victim in the neck with a glass bottle, causing it to smash and resulting in deep wounds. He then attacked with a second bottle to the forehead, causing the victim to lose consciousness and suffer significant blood loss in a 'truly horrific' assault. The victim required 16 stitches, 10 hours of hospital treatment, and a 90-minute operation, leading to permanent scarring on his face and head.
Pleaded guilty to section 18 grievous bodily harm, intent to resist arrest and theft. Significant aggravating factors noted by the court.
14 Jan 2026
somersetlive.co.uk
December 2025 3 cases
Melios Delvina
Importation of cocaine *
Sentence
10 years and seven months imprisonment
Melios Delvina was part of an organised crime gang that attempted to smuggle £26.5 million worth of cocaine through Watchet Marina. The gang used a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to collect the drugs dropped into the Bristol Channel by a passing merchant ship. They claimed to be on a fishing expedition but were monitored by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers. On July 30, 2025, officers swooped in the early hours as the drugs were being offloaded from the RHIB into a van on the slipway. NCA officers found 14 packages containing 322 smaller packages, each with a kilogramme of 89 per cent pure cocaine. Delvina claimed he was unemployed and only helped unload items from the boat without knowledge of the drugs.
Pleaded guilty to a charge relating to the importation of cocaine. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.
22 Dec 2025
wsfp.co.uk
William Free
Supplying drugs *
Sentence
6 years imprisonment
William Free, formerly of Taunton, appeared at court for his role as a drug supplier and was sentenced to an additional six years in prison.
Extra jail time for supplying drugs.
18 Dec 2025
avonandsomerset.police.uk
Anthony Cunningham
Conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs *
Sentence
9 months imprisonment
Anthony Cunningham, 32, from Birmingham, couriered cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis into the south west from the Midlands. On one occasion, he received bags containing £264,625 in cash and £39,855 from William Free in Taunton and was stopped on the M5 in South Gloucestershire.
Additional sentence for working as a courier for William Free in the drugs conspiracy. Currently serving 5.5 years for a connected SWROCU investigation.
17 Dec 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
November 2025 6 cases
Jane Hill
Causing death by careless driving *
Sentence
6 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 3-year driving ban, 300 hours unpaid work
On September 23, 2022, Jane Hill, 57, from Bridgwater, was driving when she struck 85-year-old Jean Bentley, a pedestrian walking home in Dukes Mead, Bridgwater. Instead of stopping immediately, Hill drove away briefly before returning to the scene and calling an ambulance. Jean was airlifted to hospital but died the next day from her injuries. Police investigation, including forensic examination, confirmed Hill's vehicle involvement, leading to her arrest. She initially denied involvement but was charged and later pleaded guilty in October 2025.
Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. Judge commented she 'did not have the courage to do the right thing'. Victim impact statements read by Jean Bentley's daughters.
25 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Craig Nuttall
Importation of cocaine *
Sentence
11 years and 2 months imprisonment
Craig Nuttall, 51, from Preston in Lancashire, arrived at a marina in Somerset on July 23, 2025, with his brother, claiming to sell a RHIB boat named 'Guzzla' but actually planning to collect cocaine dropped at sea from a mother ship. On July 30, joined by others, they took the boat out around 8.45pm, collected 322 kilos of cocaine (89% purity, street value £26.5 million) stored in bale-sized packages, and returned at 1am. A firearm was also found on the boat. Arrested by NCA officers upon return.
Pleaded guilty to importation of cocaine.
14 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Andrew Cobb
Sexual communication with a child *
Sentence
6 years and 7 months imprisonment
Andrew Cobb, 54, from Monmouth Street, Bridgwater, targeted at least nine vulnerable children online, messaging them to discuss sexual activity, request images, and manipulate them by framing interactions as private relationships or mentorships to maintain secrecy. He was caught in a sting operation after messaging someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl in April 2023, leading to his arrest in June 2023. Investigation of seized electronics revealed persistent manipulative conversations where he initiated contact and tried to gain trust.
Pleaded guilty to 15 offences. Made subject of an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. Prior similar offences in 2011; registered as sex offender until 2021.
14 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Anestis Tsepa
Importation of cocaine *
Sentence
16 years imprisonment
Anestis Tsepa, 24, from Thessalonika, joined the Nuttall brothers at a marina in Somerset on July 30, 2025. Around 8.45pm, he went out to sea in the RHIB boat 'Guzzla' with others to collect cocaine dropped from a mother ship, as revealed in audio messages on his device discussing the operation and vessel signals. They returned at 1am with 322 kilos of cocaine (89% purity, street value £26.5 million) in bale-sized packages and a firearm on board. Arrested by NCA officers.
Pleaded guilty to importation of cocaine and possession of a firearm and ammunition.
14 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Raymond Nuttall
Importation of cocaine *
Sentence
11 years and 3 months imprisonment
Raymond Nuttall, 47, from Preston in Lancashire, arrived at a marina in Somerset on July 23, 2025, with his brother, claiming to sell a RHIB boat named 'Guzzla' but actually planning to collect cocaine dropped at sea from a mother ship. On July 30, he drove a van to the quayside, provided jerry cans and a hose, and later drove a trailer to the slipway. The group collected 322 kilos of cocaine (89% purity, street value £26.5 million) stored in bale-sized packages, and a firearm was found on the boat. Arrested by NCA officers upon return.
Pleaded guilty to importation of cocaine.
14 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Michael Eckersley
Indecent assault (oral rape) against a child *
Sentence
9 years imprisonment for lead offence, plus 5 years for seven other charges, plus 2 years for six counts of indecency with a child
Michael Eckersley committed non-recent sexual offences, including oral rape and indecent assault, against a child in Somerset starting in the 1980s and spanning several years. The abuse involved giving presents in exchange for sexual favours, leading to the victim becoming withdrawn and self-harming. The case came to light when the victim reported it to another force in 2021, after which it was transferred to Avon and Somerset Police. Eckersley was voluntarily interviewed on December 3, 2021. Despite challenges in tracing witnesses due to the passage of time, their clear recollections led to his conviction.
Found unanimously guilty of 14 offences following trial ending September 4. Offences spanned several years starting in the 1980s. Victim's statement highlighted long-term psychological damage and betrayal of trust.
4 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
October 2025 1 case
Roderick Lukins
Sexual activity with a child *
Sentence
3 years and 9 months imprisonment and 10-year sexual harm prevention order
Roderick Lukins, 76, of Bell Close, Bridgwater, sexually abused a child by kissing and touching them inappropriately. The crimes came to light after Lukins approached the child's family suggesting he take the teenager to an event in Bridgwater, which raised concerns. The family had known him for months and trusted him. The child later disclosed the abuse to others. The incidents were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2022, leading to an investigation and arrest. The abuse caused significant trauma to the victim, including nightmares, depression, and the need for ongoing counselling. The case was postponed for a year, extending the impact on the family.
Found guilty of two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual activity with a child. Described as 'depraved and sickening crimes' by investigating officer.
16 Oct 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
August 2025 2 cases
Adam Cockram
Child abuse *
Sentence
15 years imprisonment
Adam Cockram abused a child to satisfy his own desires, leading to his conviction.
Abused child to satisfy his own desires.
20 Aug 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Stephen Watkins
Breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Order *
Sentence
15 months imprisonment
Stephen Watkins breached a sexual harm prevention order by living in the same property as a child under the age of 16 without social services approval. This order was imposed in June following his admission to outraging public decency by performing a sex act in front of two 13-year-old girls near Bridgwater in 2022.
Admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order. The judge activated a suspended sentence from June, and he has a history of previous offences including outraging public decency.
5 Aug 2025
wsfp.co.uk
July 2025 3 cases
Ben Millin
Fraud by false representation *
Sentence
34 months imprisonment
Ben Millin defrauded multiple women by fabricating stories about family deaths, health conditions, and financial troubles to gain their sympathy and extract money. He targeted vulnerable individuals in relationships, stealing amounts totalling between £30,000 and £40,000, which he used for online gambling. His actions included faking his own death, misusing personal information, and committing fraud against ex-partners, leading to significant emotional and financial harm to victims.
Pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation. Handed restraining orders preventing contact with victims and a five-year serious crime prevention order.
31 Jul 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Robert Conway
Assault, Intentional Strangulation, and Controlling and Coercive Behaviour *
Sentence
41 months imprisonment
Robert Conway, a 34-year-old man from Hob Close in Bathpool, engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a victim, assaulted the victim causing actual bodily harm, and intentionally strangled them. These offences led to his sentencing at Taunton Crown Court.
Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, assault causing actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation. Also ordered to pay a £228 surcharge and given a ten-year restraining order.
16 Jul 2025
somersetcountygazette.co.uk
Michael Atkinson
Causing death by dangerous driving *
Sentence
9 years and 3 months imprisonment and 11 years and 11 months driving disqualification
Michael Atkinson was driving a white Mercedes Sprinter van while under the influence of cannabis, cocaine, and alcohol, and while disqualified from driving. He was speeding at 43mph in a 30mph zone on Lisieux Way, Taunton, on March 10, when he collided with 77-year-old Sally Blew, who was crossing the road with her bike. She died shortly after the crash, which was captured on CCTV showing his erratic driving.
Pleaded guilty to causing death by driving while disqualified, causing death by dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. Judge noted the devastation caused to the victim's family and described the deceased as a kind and gentle soul.
11 Jul 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
May 2025 3 cases
Konrad Hicner
Burglary *
Sentence
2 years and 7 months imprisonment
Konrad Hicner carried out four burglaries in Taunton between October 2024 and February 2025. He stole a mobility scooter from a vulnerable person's underground car park in Compass Ride on October 19, 2024. He also stole a purse containing bank cards from Galmington Road, attempted to enter a property in Hoveland Drive where he was disturbed via a video doorbell, and broke into a home in Belmont Drive, stealing a bag that was later found discarded.
Pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary. PC Mattie Kasperek noted that the crimes were opportunistic and caused significant distress to victims, describing the theft of a mobility scooter as a callous act.
23 May 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
Steven Hentschel
Sexual assault *
Sentence
suspended sentence
Steven Hentschel, 54, was sentenced for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old, as reported in the court news.
Received a suspended sentence at Taunton Crown Court last month.
3 May 2025
avonandsomerset.police.uk
Dean Arnold
Causing death by careless driving *
Sentence
15 months imprisonment and 19 months driving disqualification
Dean Arnold drove on the A39 without due care and attention on May 21, 2021, causing a crash that resulted in the deaths of Craig Duffy and Susan Parminter. He was involved in the incident as the driver responsible for the collision.
Pleaded not guilty but found guilty. Ordered to pay a £156 surcharge.
1 May 2025
somersetcountygazette.co.uk
April 2025 1 case
Nigel Frith
Sexual Assault *
Sentence
34 months imprisonment
Nigel Frith sexually assaulted six people, including four children and two adults, over an 11-year period from 2012 to 2023. His offences involved touching, kissing, and making sexual suggestions, often in places where victims should have felt safe, leaving them feeling degraded, violated, angry, and terrified.
Pleaded guilty to 14 counts of sexual assault by touching against four children and two adults. Victims provided personal statements describing the impact, and he was also given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and added to the sex offenders' register.
30 Apr 2025
wsfp.co.uk
March 2025 1 case
Daniel Bee
Rape *
Sentence
14 years custody (13 years for rape, 9 months for stalking, 2 months for dangerous driving, 1 month for breach of bail conditions) plus 4 years extended licence
In January 2025, officers found Daniel Bee in company with a teenage girl in a caravan, having previously found her in his hotel room the previous week. The victim came forward and disclosed the rape and extent of Bee's offending, which included stalking, dangerous driving, and breach of bail conditions.
Found guilty by jury following trial. Judge described actions as 'wholly warped' and stated defendant poses a significant risk. Lifelong restraining order imposed.
6 Mar 2025
avonandsomerset.police.uk
February 2025 1 case
Stephen Minton
Sexual activity with a child *
Sentence
8 years imprisonment
Stephen Minton, of Bishop's Hull, Taunton, committed multiple child sex offences between 2004 and 2008 in Somerset, including sexually abusing a vulnerable child while in a position of trust. The investigation began in 2020 after the victim reported the abuse to the police, leading to Minton's arrest and charges. The abuse had lasting effects on the victim, who struggled with relationships and trust issues as a result.
Pled guilty to four offences. The victim reported the abuse had a long-term effect, and the investigating officer noted that Minton took advantage of a position of power to abuse a vulnerable child over a significant period.
7 Feb 2025
wsfp.co.uk
January 2025 1 case
Jason Squibb
Sexual activity with a child *
Sentence
2 years and 8 months imprisonment
Jason Squibb used the social media platform Snapchat to message a girl under 16 and groom her with the promise of buying her alcohol. Knowing his victim was not over the legal age of 16, in October 2021, Squibb intentionally engaged in sexual activity with her.
Pleaded guilty to a sexual offence against a child. Ordered to register as a sex offender and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.
30 Jan 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
November 2024 1 case
Dawid Dankiewicz
Supply of class C drugs *
Sentence
26 months imprisonment
Dawid Dankiewicz, aged 34 at the time, was involved in supplying drugs in Taunton. A warrant was carried out leading to his arrest. Financial investigation proved he profited significantly from his criminality. He was jailed last autumn for several drug offences.
Pleaded guilty to 13 counts of being concerned in the supply of class C drugs and one count of possessing a class A drug. Confiscation order granted under the Proceeds of Crime Act for £120,285.79 including cash and a car.
29 Nov 2024
somersetlive.co.uk
October 2024 5 cases
Jayden Deakin
Abuse *
Sentence
jailed
Jayden Deakin, 26, a serving Royal Marine, was sentenced for abusing his former partner.
Serving Royal Marine abusing former partner
30 Oct 2024
avonandsomerset.police.uk
Dean Cohen
Possessing a bladed article *
Sentence
12 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years; 30 rehabilitation activity days; 1 month concurrent imprisonment for common assault and possession of cannabis
Dean Cohen was arrested on June 25 following a disturbance in Station Road, Stogumber, where he brandished a knife in a public place, making people feel threatened near the village hall and primary school, which was locked down for a time. He faced charges including possessing a bladed article, common assault, and possession of cannabis.
Admitted possessing a bladed article; subject to monthly reviews starting on November 26; ordered to pay a surcharge for the assault victim; forfeiture and destruction of the knife and drugs.
17 Oct 2024
wsfp.co.uk
Kataldo Mulaj
Possessing criminal property and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs *
Sentence
Community Order with 200 hours unpaid work
Kataldo Mulaj, 33, of Havering in Romford, acted as a courier for an Essex organised crime group, delivering cannabis to William Free and Wayne Smith as part of the broader conspiracy to supply drugs throughout the South West, investigated by SWROCU from March 2022.
Pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs. Worked as a courier delivering cannabis from an Essex organised crime group to Free and Smith.
3 Oct 2024
somersetlive.co.uk
Stuart Davey
Being concerned in the supply of cocaine and ketamine *
Sentence
3 years and 9 months imprisonment
Stuart Davey, 44, of Wellesley Street, Taunton, acted as a courier in the organised crime group led by William Free, transporting cocaine and ketamine throughout the South West as part of the conspiracy investigated by SWROCU starting in March 2022.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and ketamine. Worked as a courier for William Free, picking up and delivering drugs to various locations in the South West.
3 Oct 2024
somersetlive.co.uk
Wayne Smith
Conspiracy to supply class B drugs *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 100 hours community service, 9 months rehabilitation requirement
Wayne Smith, 36, of Guinea Close, North Petherton, was involved in purchasing and supplying cannabis and ketamine in the Taunton area as part of the drugs conspiracy led by William Free, sourcing from organised crime groups in the Midlands and Essex between March and December 2022.
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs. Purchased and supplied cannabis and ketamine in the Taunton area.
3 Oct 2024
somersetlive.co.uk
July 2024 1 case
Ashley Jeanes
Controlling and Coercive Behaviour *
Sentence
3 years and 1 month imprisonment
Ashley Jeanes, aged 29, conducted a sustained campaign of assaults against his wife between March 2019 and January 2020, including attacking her with a baseball bat and a broom, submerging her head under water where she feared drowning, causing bruising, a permanent scar on her forehead, and significant impact on her mental wellbeing, leading to difficulties in trusting others.
Pleaded guilty to one charge of controlling and coercive behaviour and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Police described him as a violent man who presented himself as a loving husband but engaged in brutal assaults and controlling behaviour.
26 Jul 2024
wsfp.co.uk
May 2024 4 cases
Jack Larnach
Possession and use of a knife *
Sentence
12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years; 250 hours unpaid work; 30 rehabilitation activity days; £250 costs
In October 2023, Jack Larnach, then 34 years old and living in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, became involved in an argument with an elderly man and a group at Stoke-sub-Hamdon Working Men’s Club. He returned to the club later that evening, acting aggressively and shouting about being owed a pint. When the group left, Larnach followed them, continued threatening them, and pulled out a knife. Police arrested him and found the knife in his possession.
Aggravating factors included being drunk and returning to the location; mitigating factors were no relevant previous convictions and caring for his mum and children. Judge Shepherd noted there was antagonism on both sides and warned that breaching the order would result in imprisonment.
21 May 2024
somersetcountygazette.co.uk
Jane Butcher
Burglary *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment
Jane Butcher entered a property in Holford Road, Taunton, on November 16, 2023, where she was found by the victim. She stole a purse, which was later discarded in the garden of the property. She was charged on November 24, 2023, and her actions were part of a pattern of offending that impacted the community.
Pleaded guilty to the offence. Described as a prolific offender by PC Jim Card, who noted that burglars like her can cause long-lasting emotional and psychological effects to victims.
21 May 2024
somersetcountygazette.co.uk
Darren Ashton
Facilitating child sex offence *
Sentence
4 years imprisonment
Darren Ashton engaged in child sexual offences between October 2010 and November 2022. He contacted individuals in the Philippines, requesting images of young naked boys and offering to pay a 15-year-old boy's tuition fees in exchange for explicit performances. Investigations revealed 185 Category A, 244 Category B, and 266 Category C indecent images, plus 10 extreme or prohibited images on his devices.
Pleaded guilty; moved to a different area and has not offended since; described as of previous good character and deeply remorseful. Judge noted exploitation of vulnerable children for personal pleasure.
9 May 2024
somersetcountygazette.co.uk
Ryan Horrill
Possession with Intent to Supply Cannabis *
Sentence
20 months imprisonment
On November 6, 2024, police attended Ryan Horrill's address on Haywood Road, Taunton, where they discovered 1.98 kilograms of cannabis and over £21,000 in cash in his house and a bin store outside. He was arrested and answered 'no comment' during his police interview. Horrill has a considerable criminal record and was previously given a suspended sentence for a similar offence but continued his activities.
Pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class B drug. Has 68 previous offences, including three drug-related convictions. Judge noted his traumatic childhood, health issues, and that he had led a law-abiding life from 2019 to 2024 before reoffending. Also sentenced for breach of a suspended sentence.
9 May 2024
somersetcountygazette.co.uk
April 2024 2 cases
Jonathan Farrelly
Assault causing actual bodily harm *
Sentence
21 months imprisonment
Jonathan Farrelly committed two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and harassment by breaching a restraining order in September and October 2024. He had a previous restraining order from December 12, 2023, which was discharged and replaced with a new order prohibiting contact with the victim and visits to certain areas until 2028.
Sentenced to two 12-month terms for assault to run concurrently and nine months for breach of restraining order to run consecutively. Original restraining order from December 12, 2023, discharged and replaced with a new one until 2028.
17 Apr 2024
thewestonmercury.co.uk
Andrew Wilson
Laser Misuse *
Sentence
4 months imprisonment
Andrew Wilson shone a laser at a helicopter flying over Yeovil on August 3, 2022, and at an Airbus A320 passenger plane with nearly 200 people on board during its descent to Bristol Airport on August 14, 2022. The incidents occurred at night and targeted aircraft during critical flight stages, potentially causing distractions or permanent eye damage to pilots, though both aircraft landed safely.
Admitted two offences under the Laser Misuse Act 2018. A pilot's statement highlighted the dangers, including potential temporary blindness and long-term eyesight damage. PC Jason Marshalsea noted that the act was dangerous and reckless, endangering lives.
11 Apr 2024
wsfp.co.uk
November 2023 1 case
Geoff Marshall
Dangerous Driving *
Sentence
2 years imprisonment and a 2-year driving disqualification
Geoff Marshall, aged 41, of Station Road, Norton Fitzwarren, engaged in a driving rampage on September 10, 2023, using a 1958 American military-style truck. The incident began after an argument with his partner, during which he was holding a chainsaw over his head. He drove the truck through a police roadblock, colliding with several police and neighbours' vehicles, causing over £300,000 in damage. He reversed into his property, causing structural damage, and later drove to an M5 overbridge at Walford Cross, where he climbed over the safety barrier and threatened to jump. Police officers intervened, and he was arrested after being talked down.
Admitted to one charge of assault by beating, 11 counts of criminal damage, and one of dangerous driving. Judge Edward Burgess KC noted that Marshall was deeply ashamed and remorseful, suffering from significant mental health problems, but his actions were extremely reckless and created a high risk of injury or death.
10 Nov 2023
wsfp.co.uk
January 2023 1 case
Luke Hawkes
Causing death by dangerous driving *
Sentence
10 years imprisonment and 12 years and 7 months driving disqualification
Luke Hawkes was driving a white Ford Transit van at high speed on the A38 Taunton Road on November 8, 2022, when he jumped a red light and collided with two cars at a junction, causing the death of 19-year-old Bethany Branson, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles. He had previously been involved in a minor collision nearby and fled the scene. Hawkes was intoxicated, refused breath and drug tests, and made callous remarks indicating no remorse.
Pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen. The judge noted his intoxication, lack of remorse, and that this was among the first sentences under new guidelines allowing tougher penalties for dangerous driving.
27 Jan 2023
wsfp.co.uk
April 2022 2 cases
Patrick Shelley
Possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply *
Sentence
30 months imprisonment
Patrick Shelley was stopped by police during targeted patrols in Dunster amid the Covid lockdown, where officers found drugs, a lock knife, and a knuckleduster in a vehicle. Further enquiries revealed more drugs at his associate's home, with a total seizure including cocaine worth over £16,500 and cannabis worth more than £9,500.
Admitted to possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, possessing an offensive weapon in public, possessing a knife in public, and acquiring/possessing criminal property.
14 Apr 2022
wsfp.co.uk
Jared Tappin
Possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply *
Sentence
26 months imprisonment
Jared Tappin was stopped by police in a vehicle in Dunster with Patrick Shelley, where officers discovered drugs, a lock knife, and a knuckleduster. Further investigations led to the seizure of additional drugs at his home in Dulverton, including cocaine worth over £16,500 and cannabis worth more than £9,500.
Admitted to possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and acquiring/possessing criminal property.
14 Apr 2022
wsfp.co.uk
December 2020 1 case
Ian Rowland
Causing death by careless driving *
Sentence
28 weeks imprisonment
Ian Rowland, 51, was driving on a country road near Shepton Mallet in April 2020 when he lost control of his Vauxhall Vectra after over-steering on the B3139 at Emborough, causing it to skid sideways into the wrong side of the road and collide with the vehicle carrying Emma Summerell, 44. Ms Summerell was recovering from a two-year battle with cancer and was about to be given the all clear and marry the love of her life. The crash resulted in her death, and Rowland's actions led to his conviction.
Denied the charge and did not give evidence. Judge stated that his speed was not safe for the road or conditions, and it was more than a momentary lapse of concentration. Defence noted he is a decent man who taught maths and science to children with special educational needs and may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
28 Dec 2020
wsfp.co.uk
February 2020 1 case
Ian Sephton
Robbery *
Sentence
18 months imprisonment
Ian Sephton, a 48-year-old drug addict living in a tent near Minehead, stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods and cash to fund his habit. In April, he stole a handbag from a 77-year-old woman in a Tesco car park and another from a woman in the Hairy Dog pub, and carried out four credit card transactions. He also stole £200 worth of perfume from stores in Minehead. The most serious incident occurred in May when he grabbed £350 in cash from an 80-year-old man at an HSBC cashpoint in Minehead, leaving the victim feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Pleaded guilty to his crimes. Judge Paul Cook stated that, although he was sorry, his level of addiction demanded a custodial sentence. He was spending £60 a day on cocaine and heroin and had fled from drug-dealers in Liverpool.
5 Feb 2020
wsfp.co.uk
February 2017 1 case
Peter Cooper
Indecent Assault *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Peter Cooper, a former doctor, committed historic sex offences against a girl starting when she was six years old. The offences included indecency with a girl under ten and multiple indecent assaults, which came to light in 2014 when members of the girl's family confronted him. He had lived independently and was described as a dedicated doctor for 40 years.
Pleaded guilty to one count of indecency with a girl under ten and five counts of indecent assault. Appeal against sentence was dismissed, with judges noting his relative fitness despite his age.
1 Feb 2017
wsfp.co.uk
August 2014 1 case
Paul Francis
Sexual assault on a child under 13 *
Sentence
4 years imprisonment
Paul Francis, aged 62, targeted young children by promising music lessons and opportunities to be in a band. He sexually assaulted a nine-year-old girl, forcing her to engage in inappropriate behaviour at his home, and exchanged letters with a ten-year-old girl that caused her distress. These offences occurred in March 2014, and police investigations revealed indecent images of children at his home. Francis lived in Williton, West Somerset, between 2008 and 2012, and may have committed similar acts during that time.
Pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. Has a history of serious sexual offences dating back to 1973, including a nine-year sentence for rape. Committed the offences when emotionally low and expressed a desire for help to prevent re-offending. Will be on an extended six-year licence and the sex offenders' register for life, with a ban on contact with children under 16.
13 Aug 2014
wsfp.co.uk

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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Crown Court
United Kingdom

About Taunton Crown Court

Taunton Crown Court is a Crown Court that handles serious criminal cases including murder, rape, robbery, and other indictable offences. With 46 sentencing records in our database, it processes cases heard before a judge and jury, with the power to impose the full range of sentences available under UK law.

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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