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Taunton Crown Court Sentencing Results

March 2026 2 cases
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
Philip Garrett
Rape of a child under 13 *
Sentence
27 years imprisonment
Philip Garrett committed multiple non-recent sexual offences against two child victims over a prolonged period. The offences included two counts of raping a girl under 13, two counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, two counts of sexual assault against a female, assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration with a part of the body or a thing, assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, raping a girl under 13 and causing/inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity without penetration, raping a girl under 16, assaulting a female 13 and over by penetration with a part of the body or a thing, causing a female 13 or over to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, another assault on a female 13 and over by penetration, another assault on a girl under 13 by touching, and three counts of sexual assault against a female. One victim reported the offences to an adult who alerted the police, leading to a thorough investigation. Both victims were offered safeguarding and support services.
Pleaded guilty to 19 sexual offences against children. Placed on the Registered Sex Offenders’ Register for life, subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and handed an indefinite restraining order not to contact victims. Victims read personal statements in court detailing psychological harm.
5 Mar 2026
somersetlive.co.uk
January 2026 3 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
Manoj Chinthathira
Rape *
Sentence
12 years imprisonment
Manoj Chinthathira, 29, of Wilfred Road, Taunton, approached a stranger woman in her thirties who seemed upset in the street. He bought beer from a nearby shop and plied her with alcohol, initially chatting in a friendly way. He took her to a secluded bench in Victoria Park, Taunton, where between 11pm on Friday 10 October 2025 and 5am on Saturday 11 October 2025, he raped her twice. Security cameras captured him telling her he was going to rape her, with the woman begging 'please don't'. The assault was sustained and she was in fear for her life. He was arrested on Sunday 12 October 2025 after a police appeal.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of rape. Sentence to run concurrently with reduction for guilty plea. Judge stated he would be deported after serving 50 per cent of his sentence. Expressed remorse and shame.
8 Jan 2026
avonandsomerset.police.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 7 cases
John Holland
Offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 *
Sentence
Fined £116,263
John Holland, 59, of Tapmoor Road in Moorlinch, turned a 1.2-hectare grassland site at Long Load within the Wet Moor SSSI into a permanent commercial caravan park without permission, cramming in more than 90 caravans, 40 vehicles, 300 metres of tarmac roads, and dumping household and commercial waste. He ignored five refused planning applications between 2011 and 2018 and Natural England's advice, accruing over £1m in illicit financial gain. The works caused habitat loss, displacement, and long-term disturbance to nationally important breeding grounds for wading birds such as curlew and black-tailed godwit, and wintering species including Bewick's swan, lapwing, pochard, and Eurasian teal.
Pleaded guilty to two offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Also ordered to restore the site to its former condition by January 23, 2026, with potential further unlimited fine for non-compliance. Previously convicted in September 2023 of threatening and abusing Natural England officers.
26 Nov 2025
somersetlive.co.uk
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
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
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
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 2 cases
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
Alex O’Gorman
Supply of cocaine *
Sentence
8 years imprisonment
Alex O’Gorman supplied a woman with multiple 1kg blocks of cocaine, which were found in the boot of a car stopped by officers in Weston-super-Mare in January 2024. He also supplied a further 10kg of cocaine in October 2023. Officers arrested him in February 2025 and found more than 1.36kg of cocaine worth around £108,800 in his vehicle and home, along with scales, deal bags, gloves, bank notes and a knuckle duster. The cocaine he supplied was worth more than £1million.
Admitted charges of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, possession with intent to supply a class A drug and possession of an offensive weapon.
7 Jan 2025
avonandsomerset.police.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
June 2024 1 case
Alexander Chapman
Causing death by careless driving *
Sentence
14-week suspended prison sentence, disqualified from driving for 18 months, 250 hours unpaid work
On Sunday 4 February 2024, at about 4.25pm, Alexander Chapman, 39, was using a layby on the A361 in West Lyng to turn around and head back towards his home in Taunton. He pulled out directly in front of motorcyclist Destiney Rauh, 27, who swerved to avoid the van but collided with it and hit the ground. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Chapman stopped immediately and admitted to an officer that he had not seen her. He was charged with causing death by careless driving.
Pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. Judge Shepherd noted inadequate checks for a motorcycle, victim as vulnerable road user, and momentary lapse in concentration. Victim personal statement from grandmother read in court.
19 Jun 2024
avonandsomerset.police.uk
May 2024 5 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
William Chalkley
Rape *
Sentence
24 years imprisonment
William Chalkley raped and sexually assaulted one woman before seeking out his next victim whom he later assaulted and raped. The offences were committed against two women between the mid 2010s and mid 2020s.
Unanimously found guilty following a trial in March. Refused to accept the severity of his actions and showed no remorse. Sentenced for 11 counts of rape and one count each of assault by penetration, sexual assault, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault causing actual bodily harm.
8 May 2024
avonandsomerset.police.uk
April 2024 3 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
Amer Khan
Causing grievous bodily harm *
Sentence
25 months in prison
Amer Khan, 44 and from Yeovil, stabbed the victim in the armpit and cut his neck during an incident in a pub in Preston Road on 6 July 2023. The victim required hospital treatment and was subsequently discharged home to continue his recovery. Khan was arrested the following day and later charged after an investigation.
Admitted causing grievous bodily harm.
1 Apr 2024
avonandsomerset.police.uk
January 2024 1 case
Rhys Jones
Breaches of Sex Offenders Register and Sexual Harm Prevention Order *
Sentence
3 years imprisonment
Rhys Jones, a registered sex offender, committed serious online child-safeguarding offences and breached orders imposed after 13 previous offences. He failed to notify police of new accounts on Snapchat, TikTok, and Gmail, used Dropbox and installed Snapchat on mobile phones in breach of SHPO, and made four indecent images of children. The offences came to light during an unannounced police visit on 7 November 2023, leading to his arrest and seizure of devices.
Pleaded guilty to six counts of breaching the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register and three counts of breaching the Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Handed a restraining order until 2036 and indefinite SHPO.
16 Jan 2024
avonandsomerset.police.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
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
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

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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 54 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.

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