Truro Crown Court Sentencing Results

Explore 628 verdicts at Truro Crown Court (Truro). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Elliott Webber

Threatening behaviour

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 3-year football banning order, £1038 fine, £415 surcharge

Used threatening behaviour at Truro on 18 April.

Jamie Hawken

Causing death by dangerous driving

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 10 years 8 months imprisonment, 10 years driving disqualification

Caused the death of Tracy Godfrey by dangerous driving on the B327 at St Austell on 13 October 2023.

Matthew Sandry

Assault

January 23, 2026

Sentence: Community order, 180 hours unpaid work

Assaulted a woman and damaged property at a house in Trenance Road, Newquay in December 2024.

Nathan Reed

Stalking

January 23, 2026

Sentence: £1998 fine

Stalked a woman in Saltash between 31 May and 16 June by contacting victim several times, leaving flowers, going to her home, contacting her mother, leaving unwanted voicemails and email.

Neil Alcock

Possession of a bladed article

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 146 days imprisonment

Possessed a kitchen knife in a public place at Carclaze Road, St Austell on 14 January.

Rebecca Booth

Assault

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 8 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months

Assaulted a woman at St Austell on 15 June.

Must abstain from alcohol until 15 May. Pay £300 compensation. Subject to restraining order until 15 January 2028.

Sources: cornish-times.co.uk

Sharon Evans

Drink driving

January 23, 2026

Sentence: Community order with curfew, 40 months driving ban

Drove on Kilbirnie Hotel car park in Newquay in August 2024 with 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml breath exceeding limit of 35.

Found guilty after denial. Curfew 10.30pm-7am Mon/Thu, 7pm-7am other days until 5 February. Pay £114 surcharge, £650 costs.

Sources: cornish-times.co.uk

Simon Thompson

Breach of restraining order

January 23, 2026

Sentence: 45 weeks imprisonment, £200 fine

Breached restraining order last February by speaking to prohibited woman and between 7 and 10 November sending unwanted online bank transfers.

Deliberate and persistent breach of restraining order while on community order. Victim fearful.

Sources: cornish-times.co.uk

Peter Kovacs

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child

January 16, 2026

Sentence: 14 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years

Peter Kovacs, a 44-year-old Hungarian national formerly living at Tolcarne Road in Newquay, was caught in a police sting operation by West Midlands Police on May 29, 2025. He engaged in sexual conversations with an undercover officer posing as a 12-year-old girl named Hollie on two online social media platforms. Despite being told she was 12, he sent pictures of his penis while masturbating and asked her to send pictures of her privates. When she said she couldn't because she was at school, he suggested she do so anyway as she was wearing a skirt. The conversation ended after her refusal. He was identified via IP address and arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police in Cornwall.

Pleaded guilty to both charges. Unrepresented in court. Judge noted no real child involved and low immediate risk of sexual contact offence in the UK. Sexual harm prevention order imposed for 10 years restricting internet access.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Ben Beattie

Assault by penetration

January 15, 2026

Sentence: 5 years imprisonment

Ben Beattie, 51, of Falmouth, sexually assaulted a woman by penetration in the winter about 10 years prior to sentencing. The assault was carried out to humiliate, traumatise, and assert control over the particularly vulnerable victim, who froze during the incident and was unable to report it to police for years due to feeling vulnerable, isolated, stressed, and suffering panic attacks. The jury found it was not consensual.

Found guilty by a jury of one count of assault by penetration. No previous relevant convictions. Positive work ethic noted. No remorse shown. Ten-year restraining order issued. Placed on sex offender register indefinitely.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Jack Weekes

Preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body

January 13, 2026

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 300 hours unpaid work, mental health treatment requirement

Jack Weekes, who took over the family funeral business in Millbrook, failed to pay for necessary paperwork including cremation certificates from the local GP practice due to mounting debts and mental health breakdown. This resulted in the body of Elizabeth Penhaligan being stored in the business garage for 69 days, from October 16, 2023, until her cremation on December 1, 2023, causing distress to her family. The issues arose after Weekes dealt with funerals of young people and suicides, leading to financial collapse.

Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Judge noted collapsing mental health and no risk of re-offending.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Lewis Mapstone

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 13, 2026

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment

On October 18, 2025, in Saltash, Lewis Mapstone shouted at people in the street and tried door handles on parked cars before boarding a local bus where he continued rude and aggressive behaviour, making threats to kill. When a passenger complained to the driver, Mapstone confronted him, punched him in the face, bit him on the cheek drawing blood, and bit his arm. The assault continued after they were off the bus. The victim, who has ADHD, autism, and sensory processing disorder, required hospital treatment including hepatitis C and tetanus jabs, and suffered anxiety about public transport. Mapstone was identified via a dropped phone and arrested whilst on bail.

Pleaded not guilty but convicted. Appalling criminal record for violence considered. Sentenced by His Honour Judge Simon Carr. On top of 18 weeks from magistrates' court.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Kevin Essery

Making and distributing indecent images of children

January 12, 2026

Sentence: 24 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 200 hours unpaid work, 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement

Between December 2023 and June 2024, Kevin Essery downloaded and shared dozens of films and still pictures of children being sexually abused via the Kik Messenger app. His activities were flagged by the National Crime Agency, leading to his IP address being traced to his home in Carnsmerry, Bugle, near St Austell. Police seized his smartphone, finding 19 category A indecent images, 12 category B, and 17 category C images, plus nine category A videos and others. He also engaged in a sexualised conversation with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl, requesting pictures and attempting to meet. He was open about his offending when arrested.

Pleaded guilty to all charges. Avoided immediate custody due to being sole carer for partner. Judge noted remorse and lack of previous convictions. Sexual harm prevention order for 10 years and sex offenders' register for 10 years imposed.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Simon Church

Making indecent images of children

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 16 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 180 hours unpaid work, 12 community requirement days, 28 programme sessions, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days

Simon Church was found in possession of seven category A, 39 category B, and 10 category C indecent images of children on his phone, discovered during a police visit to his home in Hall Road, St Dennis, near St Austell. The images included one email from 'Andy' with pictures of a girl aged six or nine showing her underwear. He also had illegal encryption software breaching his existing sexual harm prevention order. Church denied the charges, claiming his ex-partner or someone from work planted the images, but was convicted of three charges of making indecent images of children and one breach of order.

Found guilty after trial. Previous conviction in 2018 for similar offence. Medium risk of re-offending. Autism and caring responsibilities considered. Judge noted lack of responsibility and blame on ex-partner.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

James Wilson

Burglary other than dwelling - theft

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 9 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 7pm to 7am curfew for 3 months, 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement

On February 4, 2024, James Wilson, 37, from Timber Close in St Austell, and two unidentified accomplices broke into the Ozzell Bowl on Priory Road in St Austell using a screwdriver, causing £200 worth of damage. They stole £75 from charity collection tins. Wilson was identified via CCTV, left behind a pair of gloves, and his DNA on the glass washer in the kitchen. He initially denied the offence but later pleaded guilty.

Pleaded guilty to burglary other than dwelling - theft. Has dozens of prior convictions including 30 for shoplifting, fraud by deception, theft, handling stolen goods, burglary, and going equipped. Judge noted impact on small family business and Wilson's capability for rehabilitation.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Brandon-Lee Chambers

Controlling and coercive behaviour

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 36 months imprisonment

Between January and June 2023 in the Redruth area, Brandon-Lee Chambers subjected his pregnant partner to six months of domestic violence, including bullying, gaslighting, multiple strangulations, beatings, and jamming her arm in a door, impairing her ability to breastfeed her newborn. Notably, the day after her Caesarean birth, he strangled her again after she objected to his drug use. He assaulted her to film her reactions and had prior convictions for domestic violence against other partners, including a suspended sentence and bail for a racially aggravated assault. The victim, who had PTSD from previous abuse, reported him to Devon and Cornwall Police, leading to his arrest.

Pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, assault causing actual bodily harm, and intentional strangulation. Serving while on suspended sentence for prior domestic violence. On remand for six months prior, enrolled in courses, abstinent from alcohol and drugs. Judge noted entrenched history of domestic abuse and victim's vulnerability. Restraining order for 7 years.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Brendan Self

Fraud by false representation

January 9, 2026

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

Between November 2021 and June 2022 in Saltash, Brendan Self, a 29-year-old cleaner employed at his mother's company, defrauded a vulnerable elderly man by withdrawing over £20,000 using the victim's credit card, which he was entrusted with for cleaning and shopping tasks. The withdrawals occurred even when the victim was in hospital. Self spent the money on himself, including at a bike shop. The victim, who received a £100,000 inheritance in 2020 for his care in old age and was not adept with online banking, discovered the shortfall in June 2022. Self initially denied the fraud in interviews, making false claims about the victim, but pleaded guilty on the first day of trial. The victim suffered trust issues, increased drinking, health decline, and became reclusive. Self claimed he felt entitled to compensation due to a prior violent incident not his fault.

Pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. Judge noted the offence was unpleasant against a vulnerable individual for personal gain. Restraining order imposed for 10 years. Defence mentioned autism spectrum, drug use, remorse, and plan to repay £20,000 at £400 per month despite no job.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Chardonnay Murchison

Wounding / Causing Grievous Bodily Harm Without Intent

January 8, 2026

Sentence: 14-month prison sentence suspended for two years, 7pm to 7am curfew for four months, 120 hours unpaid work, monthly reviews, exclusion zone from JJ's for 12 months

On November 16, 2024, while out at JJ's bar in Liskeard with her partner, Chardonnay Murchison engaged in banter with a friend she had socialised with before. She impulsively brought her glass up and hit him on the side of the head, causing a particularly grave wound down to the bone. The victim collapsed with blood pouring from the injury, required two blood transfusions, intubation, several hospital visits, and CT scans for repairs to damaged blood vessels. The unprovoked attack left him with permanent scarring, severe psychological impact including nightmares and loss of confidence, and inability to work normally for months.

Pleaded guilty to wounding / causing grievous bodily harm without intent. No previous convictions. Mental health issues including complex PTSD. Genuine remorse and low risk of re-offending. Judge noted it was a particularly bad glassing and she is unfit to mix alcohol and banter.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Joanna Crocker

Threatening a person with an offensive weapon

January 8, 2026

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 40 days rehabilitation activity requirement, restraining order for 7 years

On March 21, 2024, Joanna Crocker, 45, who was extremely drunk, confronted her neighbour in the communal hallway of Salmon Row in Truro after an ambulance call. She banged on the neighbour's door, became aggressive and abusive, threatened to hit her with a bottle, blocked her way, broke the bottle, and held the jagged edge to the neighbour's throat saying 'I'm going to cut you'. Crocker continued making threats while on the phone to police. The neighbour has been left in fear, with impacts on her and her husband's mental health. Crocker had been helped by the neighbour previously but her alcoholism escalated after her mother's death.

Pleaded guilty. Defendant is an alcoholic with epilepsy, seizures, and bipolar disorder. Has been attending AA meetings and seeing a therapist. Judge noted her sobriety and efforts to abstain from alcohol.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Robert Hannah

Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child

January 7, 2026

Sentence: 4.5 years imprisonment

Robert Hannah, 55, from Wadebridge, engaged in inappropriate conversations with five fictitious underage girls (aged 10-12) on social media between December 2023 and May 2024, grooming them to be his 'secret boyfriend', requesting pictures, sending images of his penis, and arranging to meet one at Bodmin Parkway train station for sex. He was deceived by online paedophile hunters who performed a citizens' arrest and handed evidence to police.

Pleaded guilty to all counts. Judge noted autism, learning difficulties, and loneliness; stated prison would be particularly intolerable. Sexual harm prevention order for 20 years and on sex offenders register for life.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Stephen Powell

Breach of restraining order

January 6, 2026

Sentence: 4 months imprisonment

Stephen Powell, aged 62 from Redannack North in Mullion, sent two threatening emails to his ex-partner in September 2024, breaching a 5-year restraining order imposed on October 3, 2023, due to previous abuse. The first email stated that if she thought he would 'simply walk away after what you did to me, it just shows how stupid you all are'. The second threatened to publicly release intimate images he had of her. The ex-partner, who had left the area for safety after 40 years in the relationship, discovered the emails in her spam folder after her son mentioned receiving them. She feared for her safety, stating she felt unable to defend herself and worried he might kill her. Powell was arrested and claimed in interview that he believed the order had expired.

Pleaded that he forgot the restraining order was in place. Time on remand included. Fresh restraining order imposed for 3 years. Judge accepted it was a slip during the last days of his suspended sentence.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Ryan Preston

Assaulting an emergency worker

January 6, 2026

Sentence: conditional discharge for 2 years

On October 2, 2023, paramedics were called to Ryan Preston's property in Bodmin due to a mental health crisis. Fearing violence, they called police. While speaking to Devon and Cornwall Police officers, Preston, aged 33 from Great Close Road in St Erme near Truro, pulled a knife from the side of his armchair and brandished it at shoulder height threateningly at a police officer. He was asked to drop the knife and go to the floor but reached for it again, leading officers to deploy a Taser to restrain him. He was arrested and charged. In his police interview, he admitted his actions would cause fear, especially with the knife.

No previous convictions. Engaged weekly with community mental health services and receives weekly therapy. Lives with parents who support his mental health. In full-time employment. Shown remorse. Judge noted mental health crisis led to hospital admission, no further offences committed, and protective factors present.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Tony Salisbury

Shoplifting

January 6, 2026

Sentence: 1 year imprisonment

Tony Salisbury, a prolific shoplifter from Redruth, was sentenced for multiple shoplifting offenses, demonstrating no regard for the harm he was causing to victims and businesses.

Ricky Bushell

Harassment and sharing intimate photograph without consent

January 3, 2026

Sentence: Community order with 200 hours unpaid work, £114 surcharge, £85 costs, restraining order

At Llandudno on 25 September, shared an intimate photograph of a woman without her consent; between July and October 2025 at Llandudno, harassed a woman by making telephone calls, sending messages, attending her address, making money transfers and posting material online.

Pleaded guilty to sharing an intimate photograph without consent and harassment.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Ricky Sutton

Possession of knife in public place

January 3, 2026

Sentence: 3 months and 2 weeks imprisonment

On 7 March on Penarwyn Road, St Blazey, possessed a knife in a public place.

Paul Timmins

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

January 3, 2026

Sentence: 15 months imprisonment, restraining order until 18 December 2030

In February 2024 at Newquay, assaulted a woman occasioning her actual bodily harm.

Mark Worthington

Burglary

January 3, 2026

Sentence: 3-month prison sentence suspended for 2 years

Entered Bude Services as a trespasser and stole a car key.

David Michael

Assault and causing fear of violence

January 3, 2026

Sentence: Community order with Building Better Relationships course, £120 fine, £114 surcharge, £135 costs, restraining order until 15 December 2028

On 24 October at St Austell, assaulted a woman; on 25 October, caused her to fear violence by sending multiple offensive threatening messages.

Brian O’Sullivan

Failing to comply with Sexual Offences Act notification requirements

January 3, 2026

Sentence: 24-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months

On 8 May at Truro, failed to notify police of changes to his name and address as required by the Sexual Offences Act.

Pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Ethan Campbell

Assault causing actual bodily harm

January 2, 2026

Sentence: 2 years imprisonment

On May 15, 2023, at 1am outside the Texaco petrol station in Bodmin, Ethan Campbell, aged 30 from Wallace Road, Bodmin, shouted at a young man to come over. When the victim refused and walked away, Campbell chased him, tackled him to the ground, and repeatedly punched and kicked him, including stomping on his head. The victim suffered two front teeth smashed and requiring extraction and replacement costing £1,200, two black eyes, and concussion. Campbell was identified by CCTV, initially denied involvement in interviews, but pleaded guilty at magistrates' court in summer 2025.

Pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm. Has 32 previous convictions for 60 offences, mostly violence. Offended again while on bail. Judge noted high risk of reoffending and danger to public. Imposed 7-year restraining order against victim. Will serve 40% before release on licence.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Gareth Rabey

Drink driving

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 15-month driving ban, £323 fine

On 26 September through London Apprentice, Gareth Rabey drove with 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath exceeding the limit of 35.

Pleaded guilty to drink driving. Ban reduced by 15 weeks if course completed; ordered to pay £129 surcharge and £85 costs.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Dexter Middleton

Theft

December 19, 2025

Sentence: £266 fine

In December 2022, Dexter Middleton stole clothing worth £136 from the Original Factory Shop in Newquay.

Pleaded guilty to theft. Ordered to pay £136 compensation, £144 surcharge and £85 costs.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Eric Roberts

Assault

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 6-month conditional discharge

On 9 March at Chilsworthy, Eric Roberts assaulted a woman.

Pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman. Ordered to pay £26 surcharge and £85 costs.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Jonathan Capewell

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm

December 19, 2025

Sentence: Community order with 6 months alcohol treatment, £80 fine

On 28 December at Well Street, Callington, assaulted a woman occasioning actual bodily harm and damaged a car window; on Boxing Day damaged a mobile phone at a property in Boconnoc Avenue, Callington.

Pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage. Ordered to pay £75 compensation, £114 surcharge and £135 costs.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Ben Freeston

Criminal damage

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 12-month conditional discharge

In September 2023 at Saltash, Ben Freeston damaged a gate, flower pot and key safe at a property.

Aiden Parsons

Drug driving

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 16-month driving ban, £1000 fine

In December 2024 at St Columb, Aiden Parsons drove with 9.2 micrograms of cannabis per litre of blood exceeding the limit of two.

Alanah Hunt

Drug driving

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 12-month driving ban, £120 fine

On 27 July on Castle Street, Bodmin, Alanah Hunt drove with 86 micrograms of BZE per litre of blood exceeding the limit of 50.

Darius Garab

No insurance

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 6-month driving ban, £607 fine

Last December on Narrowcliff, Newquay, Darius Garab drove without insurance.

Pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. Ordered to pay £243 surcharge and £400 costs.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Daniel Ashman

Affray

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 6 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 100 hours unpaid work

On 2 May at Liskeard, Daniel Ashman used or threatened unlawful violence.

Christopher Anderson

Assault causing actual bodily harm and stalking

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years, 120 days abstinence requirement, 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement

Christopher Anderson, 35, from Apple Tree Close in Chudleigh Knighton, Devon, met his victim in 2024 and their short-lived relationship turned abusive due to his heavy drinking. In September 2024, he pinned her to the bed at her home in Callington, hit her several times in the face, and strangled her until she could not breathe. In February 2025, he assaulted her again by biting her on the head while she tried to stop him from drink driving. After the relationship ended in late March 2025, he stalked her relentlessly until mid-June 2025 by sending hundreds of emails, texts, social media messages, and contacting her via TikTok and online games; he also sent unwanted parcels and appeared at her property uninvited, forcing her to install a fence and ring doorbell camera. This caused severe anxiety and panic attacks for the victim.

Pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm and one count of stalking involving serious alarm/distress. Alcoholism addressed through detox; judge emphasized never drinking again. Restraining order imposed for 10 years.

Sources: cornwalllive.com

Mary Manzi

Assault on police officer

December 19, 2025

Sentence: £120 fine

On 23 November at Woburn Road, Launceston, Mary Manzi assaulted a police officer.

Matthew Cummingham

Wounding with intent

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

On 15 July at Penryn, Matthew Cummingham wounded a woman with intent to do her grievous bodily harm using a metal pole as an offensive weapon in a public place at Lower Market Street, and assaulted a man and a woman occasioning them actual bodily harm.

Pleaded guilty to wounding a woman with intent to do grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, and assaulting a man and a woman occasioning actual bodily harm. Made subject to a restraining order not to contact a man and a woman until 5 December 2035.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Matthew Cumminghame

Wounding with intent

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

On 15 July at Penryn, Matthew Cumminghame wounded a woman with intent to do her grievous bodily harm, possessed an offensive weapon (a metal pole) in a public place at Lower Market Street, Penryn, and assaulted a man and a woman occasioning them actual bodily harm.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Matthew Cumminghamm

Wounding with intent

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years 4 months imprisonment

On 15 July at Penryn, wounded a woman with intent to do grievous bodily harm using a metal pole as an offensive weapon in a public place at Lower Market Street, and assaulted a man and a woman occasioning actual bodily harm.

Pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, possessing offensive weapon, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Made subject to restraining order until 5 December 2035.

Sources: voicenewspapers.co.uk

Matthew Cumminghham

Wounding with intent

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

On 15 July 2025 at Penryn, Matthew Cumminghham wounded a woman with intent to do her grievous bodily harm, possessed an offensive weapon (a metal pole) in a public place at Lower Market Street, Penryn, and assaulted a man and a woman occasioning them actual bodily harm.

Sources: cornish-times.co.uk

Matthew Cumminghum

Wounding with intent

December 19, 2025

Sentence: 5 years and 4 months imprisonment

On 15 July at Penryn, Matthew Cumminghum wounded a woman with intent to do her grievous bodily harm using a metal pole as an offensive weapon in a public place at Lower Market Street, and assaulted a man and a woman occasioning them actual bodily harm.

Sources: cornish-times.co.uk