Search results for Devon

Description

A man has been jailed for more than nine years after admitting non-recent sexual offences against three children in Somerset and Devon. 

Colin Butcher, 61, of Whitebeam Grove, Dunkeswell, in Devon, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, for eight indecent assaults against children under the age of 14 yesterday (Thursday 8 October).

Butcher was sentenced to nine years and three months’ imprisonment.  He must serve a minimum of six years and six months before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.  Following any release, he will remain subject to licence conditions for the remainder of his sentence, together with an additional one-year extended licence period imposed by the court.

His abuse occurred at the victims’ family home in Somerset and at his address in Dunkeswell, near Honiton, and included sexual touching, as well as digital penetration and causing his victims to touch him.  

After the victims reported the abuse as adults, Avon and Somerset Police launched a thorough investigation. The victims were supported throughout the investigation and offered access to specialist support services.

The abuse suffered by the victims has had a lasting impact on their lives, as detailed in victim personal statements that were read to the court.

The first victim stated:

“When the abuse happened to me, I had blocked much of it out and believed I was the only one affected and was going to take it to my grave.

“Then, I was made aware that others had also experienced the same abuse by the same man. This makes me feel physically sick and has had a significant emotional impact on me, which I have found extremely difficult to process.

“I hope he spends a long time in prison.”

The second victim stated:

“For too long, I buried this secret, a secret which should have never been mine to carry. I should have never grown up carrying this fear, worry, shame, or a loss of self-worth.

“What happened to me changed the way I saw myself and the way I saw the world. It took away parts of my childhood that I can never get back.

“I cannot change what happened to me, but I can finally use my voice to acknowledge it. And as a mother, one of the most important things I can do is ensure that my children grow up knowing that they are safe, that their voices matter, and that they will always be listened to and believed.”

The third victim stated:

“Colin Butcher sexually abused me, and I have carried the consequences of his actions throughout my life. It has affected my wellbeing, my relationships, and my sense of safety.

“Colin, I am not here today to give you the satisfaction of hearing how deeply your actions have affected me. But I will say this; what you did was never forgotten, never acceptable, and it has shaped my life in ways you will never fully understand.”

Butcher was arrested in July 2023 and convicted of the offences on Monday 17 August 2026, which he initially denied, but he eventually pleaded guilty at trial.

In addition to receiving a custodial sentence, the court also imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and the defendant will remain subject to lifetime sex offender notification requirements.

While sentencing Butcher, Judge Shepherd told the defendant:

“You have had a devastating impact on their lives and that will sit with you forever.”

We are releasing an image of Butcher from around the time of his offending and would encourage anyone who may have been affected by his behaviour to come forward. Victims of sexual offences will be listened to and supported, regardless of how long ago the offending took place.

Detective Constable Joe Lewis, from our Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the officer in the case (OIC), said:

“Butcher exploited the trust placed in him to sexually abuse young girls over a prolonged period.

“His actions caused significant and lasting harm to the victims, who have carried the impact of this offending for many years. I would like to commend the victims for the courage, strength, and dignity they have shown throughout this investigation.

“The abuse they suffered has had a profound and lasting impact on their lives. I hope today’s sentencing provides them with some sense of closure and enables them to continue moving forward. Their bravery in coming forward has helped ensure that Butcher is now being held accountable for the harm he caused.

The dignity and courage shown by the victims throughout this investigation and at court have been remarkable.

“We would also like to hear from other potential victims of Butcher and assure them they will be believed, supported and a thorough investigation will be conducted, no matter how long ago the offending happened.”

Description

A manipulative and violent man has been jailed for more than seven years after subjecting two women to terrifying serious assaults which left them fearing for their lives, and sending multiple women sexually explicit images.

Tobias King, of no fixed abode, became the subject of an extensive manhunt in 2025 after he repeatedly strangled and seriously assaulted a woman at a hotel in Honiton.

The 36-year-old, who has previously lived in Devon and Somerset, left her in the room unconscious and stole her purse and phone, a court heard.

He evaded police for nearly two weeks by staying in tents and hotels but was caught after using a bank card he had stolen.

King was remanded in custody and has since pleaded guilty to strangulation, false Imprisonment, threats to kill, actual bodily harm and theft.

At his sentencing hearing at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday 9 September, the court heard police were called by the general manager of the Premier Inn in Honiton in late 2025, at 9am, reporting a woman with significant injuries had attended the hotel reception in a distressed state, requesting immediate assistance.

Her injuries included extensive bruising to both arms, her neck, legs, face and nose.

The victim, who had been staying overnight at the hotel, told police she had been subjected to repeated physical assaults. This included multiple incidents of being strangled, causing her to lose consciousness on separate occasions.

In a statement to police, she described how each time she regained consciousness, the assault continued and King stated he ‘had to kill her’ and that he was ‘not going to prison for anyone’.

She added he took her mobile phone and purse before leaving the room and fleeing the hotel in the early hours of the morning at around 3am.

The assault left the victim with extreme facial bruising and throat damage which left her barely able to talk for months.

After King was apprehended, he was also charged with an outstanding offence of a serious assault against another woman in similar circumstances.

He attacked her in a hotel room in Bournemouth in late 2022. He was said to have put his hands around her neck and squeezed so hard that she couldn’t breathe.

He then attacked her again two weeks later. He threw her on a sofa, hitting her in the head and using both hands to strangle her, causing swelling and bruising.

The following month he sent her social media messages asking her to drop the case against him, as well as sending her sexually explicit videos.

King admitted two counts of intentional strangulation, one count of common assault and one count of sending indecent images to the victim.

King also pleaded guilty to four counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation. The charges related to sending several women unsolicited pictures of his genitals between January and October 2025 using different numbers and social media platforms, despite being told to stop.

A guilty plea was also given for a charge of sending unsolicited sexually explicit images and videos in February 2021 to a woman in Bristol through email and WhatsApp.

For all the offences he was handed an extended sentence for a total of 10 years, of which 88 months is a custodial sentence, and was given an indefinite restraining order against the two strangulation victims. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to notification and reporting rules.

Detective Constable Nathan Ralph, of Devon & Cornwall Police, said:

“The victims have shown incredible bravery throughout the investigation, and their commitment to engaging in the criminal justice process has ensured that this dangerous offender will not be able to harm anyone else.

“Violence against women and girls is a priority in our force area, and these convictions exemplify our dedication to apprehending high-risk perpetrators.

“We would urge any persons that have been victims of abuse to talk to us; you will be listened to and taken seriously.”

Detective Sergeant Duncan Sandle, of Avon & Somerset Police, said: “Tobias King is a violent and manipulative offender who is a danger to any woman.

“The victims have shown incredible bravery and resilience, and I hope this outcome helps them with the ongoing recovery process so they can move forward with their lives.

“I also hope this successful conviction sends out a clear message to all those who commit offences of violence and abuse – we will pursue you and you will be held accountable for your crimes.”

Description

A Barnstaple man has been jailed for 32 months for sexual offences against a child.

Daniel Mansford, 26, of Rumsam Gardens, previously changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 29 June. He admitted to five offences of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.

The offences took place during a period of six months when the victim was 14 years old.

The court heard that Mansford had been aware of her age from the outset but continued to groom her, including on social media.

The offences came to light when the victim bravely confided in a teacher.

Mansford was arrested by Devon & Cornwall Police and provided no comment during the interview.

Police obtained screenshots of messages from the victim’s phone which showed the sexualised content Mansford had sent her.

Mansford was sentenced yesterday, Thursday 3 September, at Exeter Crown Court, to 32 months imprisonment and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order.

Devon & Cornwall Police investigator Neil Young, of North Devon CID, said:

“The defendant knew that the victim was a child. As soon as Mansford became aware of the victim's age, he should have immediately ended all contact.

“Instead, he made a conscious decision to continue his pursuit, exploit the vulnerabilities of that young person and engage in sexual activity.

“This conviction demonstrates Devon & Cornwall Police’s commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions.”

Description

A rapist has been sentenced to eight years in prison after attacking his victim and threatening to kill her.

Iain Platt, 51, from Bideford, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 30 July after being convicted of rape, threats to kill and one other charge.

The court heard how Platt raped his victim on a number of occasions in North Devon.

He threatened to kill her and would force her to have sex with him without consent.

In interview Platt insisted all sexual contact between him and the victim was consensual.

Officer in the case, Detective Sergeant Sam Jones, said:

“Firstly, I want to acknowledge the immense courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation and court process.

“What she endured was a sustained campaign of abuse.

“In this case, the defendant used fear, manipulation, and sexual violence to dominate the victim.

“The impact on the victim has been devastating and long-lasting. She has shown tremendous strength in reporting what happened and remaining committed to the criminal justice process despite the significant trauma she has experienced.

“I would also like to thank the specialist support services and partner agencies who assisted the victim throughout this investigation.

“If anybody has been the victim of rape or sexual violence, I would encourage them to report it. Support is available, and you will be listened to."

Description

A man has been jailed for 10 years for the rape and sexual abuse of a woman in Devon.

Philip Street, F, of Greenaway in Morchard Bishop, Devon, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 1 May.

Street had previously been found guilty at a trial in March 2026 of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and a sexual assault.

He was also found guilty of two multiple incident counts that reflected other occasions in the time period where he had raped and assaulted the victim.

Street must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

During the trial, the court heard how Street had abused his victim over the course of a two-year period, and that he used fear to facilitate the abuse.

The victim would tell Street no, and try to push him off or away from her, but he persisted.

She described that because Street was much bigger in build and height than her, he just carried on and did what he wanted despite her protestations and efforts to resist him.

Street repeatedly told the victim that it ‘was their secret’.

He also told her that nobody would believe her, allowing him to continue the abuse.

Street’s offending came to light when the victim made disclosures at her GP surgery and Police were contacted.

In his Police interview Street initially denied raping or having sex with the victim, but his DNA was later recovered from the victim’s forensic swabs.

He then stated that in that case he must have had sex with her, but that it had happened consensually.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Craig Ferguson, said:

“I welcome today’s sentencing which follows a detailed and lengthy investigation.

“In his evidence Philip Street sought to present his sexual abuse and the repeated rape of his victim as consensual ,and as an affair. 

“The very notion of this explanation is abhorrent, and a smear upon the victim and her character. 

“Her position was clear - that Street repeatedly forced himself onto her despite her efforts to stop him and resist him. 

“He has been shown to be a sexual predator who disregarded his victims voice, and has now rightly been imprisoned

“The victim has shown tremendous courage and resolve throughout this difficult investigation and court process.

“I would like to pay tribute to her following today’s outcome for finding the strength to speak out against her abuser, and for attending Court and giving her evidence in this difficult case. 

“At the start of this process, she explained to me that she wanted justice for what had happened to her, and I hope that today’s outcome and sentence helps towards that realisation for her.

“Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse, and to actively prosecuting those who commit violence against women and girls.”

Description

A Devon sex offender targeted vulnerable young girls online and incited them into sharing degrading sexual content and carrying out self-harm. 

Miles Goninon, 29, was also found in possession of thousands of indecent images and videos of children spanning all three categories. 

Goninon, from the Winkleigh area of Devon, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 23 April after pleading guilty to 25 offences including possession and distribution of indecent images of children (all categories), engaging in sexual communications with children and causing a child to engage in a sexual act.

Goninon was jailed for 12 years. He was made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order until further order and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

The court heard how Goninon targeted numerous vulnerable young girls online through Snapchat, gaining their trust before abusing them.

The offending came to light when Police received intelligence reporting that a user of a Snapchat account associated with Goninon’s email address had engaged in conversation with a child online and asked her for an indecent video of herself.

The account was traced to Goninon’s home address and in June 2024 officers executed a warrant and arrested Goninon.

As a result of the warrant, a large number of devices were seized and later found to contain a huge catalogue of troubling child sex abuse material and explicit conversations with children.

Investigation showed that Goninon was operating multiple Snapchat accounts pretending to be teenagers and had also distributed child abuse material to others.

Goninon was found in possession of hundreds of indecent videos and images of victims that he had requested and filmed virtually himself.

Some of the victims were identified from their Snapchat usernames and home visits then carried out by police. Victims of Goninon were placed around the world. Many of not been identified. 

Goninon denied any criminal wrongdoing in his interviews.

The sentencing judge described Goninon as taking no responsibility for the horrendous impact his crimes had on his victims and showing very limited empathy.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Simon Foster said: “This was a complex and extremely disturbing investigation led by the Devon and Cornwall Paedophile Online Investigation Team. 

“The officers involved have shown incredible dedication to identify and safeguard as many children as possible. 

“Due to the nature of his offending, our specialist officers had to examine a huge amount of traumatic material to ensure all lines of enquiry were pursued. 

“Miles Goninon showed no remorse or care for his victims and was driven by his sadistic desires to harm children. 

“We welcome today’s sentence and hope this conviction serves as a stark warning to those with an unlawfully blurred view of consent and the wider implications of the sexual abuse of children. 

“I would also like to thank all the identified victims in this case for their bravery and courage in coming forward. It’s not an easy thing to disclose something very personal to you, particularly when it relates to sexual offences. 

“I hope this investigation highlights that the police take sexual allegations seriously, you will be believed, and we will always support you. 

“We believe there are still hundreds of victims targeted by Miles Goninon that our specialist victim ID officers continue to try and identify. 

“He often used his true name as usernames so if anyone feels they have been targeted by his offending, please get in contact so we can support you.

“We will never stop investigating online offences to safeguard children and protect the public from those who seek to hurt children. For those tempted to engage in this type of behaviour, our message is simple: we are watching you, you will be caught, and you can expect a knock at the door from us very soon.”

Description

A rapist has been jailed for 26 years for despicable crimes relating to women and children spanning three decades.

Christopher Welch, aged 66 of Westlands, Wrafton in Braunton, was convicted at Exeter Crown Court on 25th February of four counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of indecent assault against a woman.

Welch was also convicted of four counts of indecent assault against children, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration. He was also found guilty of indecent assault against another woman.

He appeared before court again today, Thursday 2 April, where he was handed a 26-year sentence, with three years on licence. As part of the sentence, Welch has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The court heard how the offences were committed against three children and two women on multiple occasions in the 80s, 90s and 00s in Devon.

Police praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

Their powerful victim personal statements were read out at court, with one victim stating: 

“The impact this man has had is irreversible and I carry the weight of what he did to me every day in the life not lived… Take as many years from him as he did from me. I thank the police that gathered the case, my support worker, the court, the jury and the judge, for their work and in finding what I believe is a just outcome, albeit bittersweet.”

Detective Constable Kerry Mitchell said:

“Welch is a vile human being and a dangerous sexual predator and I welcome today’s sentence.

“All of the victims showed immense courage in coming forward and telling someone about the offences.

“I hope that they, and the wider public, are reassured that Welch is now behind bars.

“If anyone has been victim of child sex abuse, whether recently or in the past, there are specialist units within Devon and Cornwall Police who will listen and investigate thoroughly.”

Description

A man has been convicted of the rape of a woman in Leeds nearly 50 years later thanks to a DNA breakthrough in the investigation.  

David Sharp, aged 66, of Copland Meadows, Totnes, Devon, was found guilty today (Friday 13 March) of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. He has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 23 April

The offences he has been convicted of occurred on 2 October 1977 on the victim’s first night in Leeds after moving to the city for university. She was woken up at around 3am to the sound of a window smashing and a man entering her room. The man, who she described as wearing a ski mask throughout the offence, sexually assaulted and raped her before leaving through the front door of the property.  

The offence was reported and investigated at the time, but no suspect was identified.  

The Major Investigation Review Team reopened the investigation as part of a cold case review in 2023, which included reviewing any potential forensic opportunities. They were able to get a DNA profile of the offender, but it wasn’t linked to anyone on police databases.  

Further enquiries were conducted to see if there were any familial links to any other samples held on police systems. A match came back for a close family member of Sharp. This led to a sample being taken from Sharp which matched the DNA profile.  

Officers have since confirmed that Sharp was living in Leeds at the time of the offence.  

Detective Sergeant Richard Ord, of the Major Investigation Review Team, said:

“At the heart of this investigation is a woman who has been scarred by the events of 48 years ago for her whole adult life. She has told officers that she remembers the crime committed against her on that day in 1977 like it was yesterday.  

“Sharp has consistently denied this offence and taken no responsibility for his actions. The evidence we were able to gather was compelling and has resulted in him being convicted of this offence.  

“No prison sentence can make up for the life term of trauma that the victim has been subjected to, but I hope that she feels that some form of justice has now been served.  

“This investigation is an example of the work that we do within the Major Investigation Review Team under Op Recall reviewing non-recent rape and serious sexual offence cases. Forensic science is continually developing, and we will utilise any available scientific advancements to solve cases, protect the public and get victims the outcomes they deserve.  

“We would encourage anyone to come forward who wishes to report an offence, no matter how long ago, you will be listened to, this case shows time is not a barrier to justice.” 

Description

A Devon rapist has been jailed for 19 years with a further six years on extended licence after being found guilty of terrifying sexual violence against a woman. 

Christopher Hotine, 39, from Paignton, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 6 February after being found guilty at a trial at the end of last year of two rapes, sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm – all offences committed against the same victim on two separate dates.

During the trial, the court heard how on the first occasion, Hotine poured a bottle of wine over the victim’s head, locked her in a room, repeatedly pulled her hair, restricted her breathing and raped her.

The second rape, occurred when Hotine entered the victim’s home and bedroom early in the morning and attacked her while she was in her bed. 

The court heard how the offences have had a huge psychological impact on the victim.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Garry Harding said:

“We welcome the sentence given to Christopher Hotine today which means a dangerous rapist has been taken off the streets for some time.

“Hotine subjected his victim to terrifying sexual violence and has never had the courage to admit the offences, resulting in the victim having to give evidence at trial.

“Hotine’s actions were designed to make his victim live in fear, and we are hopeful this sentence will provide her with some closure and allow her to move on with her life.

“I am delighted to see that the Criminal Justice System has secured justice for this incredibly brave victim of the most horrendous of sexual assaults.”

Description

A Devon man has been jailed for raping a teenager in a shed. Tony Taylor, 44, of Coronation Road, Kingsbridge, forced himself on the terrified girl and ignored her pleas to stop, Exeter Crown Court heard.

He told her not to tell anyone and that it would be "their secret," but police were called and Taylor arrested.

Taylor initially refused to answer police questions but eventually pleaded guilty to rape and two charges of sexual assault. He was sentenced to six years and nine months.

The court heard he raped his victim in 2023 after drinking and groping her. She repeatedly said "no" and froze in terror during the assault, said prosecutor Mary McCarthy.

Despite DNA proof of his guilt, he refused to answer questions, the prosecutor added. Defense lawyer Emily Pitts said sex offenders often don't admit guilt and it took "a huge amount of courage" on his part to do so.

She noted he had "positive character traits," was a hard-worker and a man of previous good character, and is sorry.

Judge Stephen Climie said it was impossible to know what was going through the defendant's head at the time. "You are an otherwise decent member of society," he added.

Taylor must sign the sex offender register for life and was given a sexual harm prevention order until further notice.

Description

A Brixham man has been jailed for seven and half years for the sexual abuse of two boys.

Graham Bartlett, 56, from Briseham Road in Brixham, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 4 September after previously being found guilty by a jury of sexual activity with a child and four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. He had previously pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing incident images of children.

Bartlett was found not guilty of a number of other child sexual abuse charges.

During the trial, the court heard how in 2008 a then teenage boy disclosed that he had been abused by Bartlett, however no action was taken against Bartlett at this time.

Eleven years later in 2019, another adult male disclosed been sexually abused by Bartlett when he was a child, leading to the 2008 case being reopened.

On his arrest, indecent images and videos spanning Categories A, B and C were found on Bartlett’s phone.

The court heard that Bartlett had groomed the boys before the sexual offending occurred.

In interview Bartlett admitted knowing both victims but denied having any sexual interest in young boys, and any sexual activity taking place. The victims were not known to each other.

He blamed the indecent images on his phone on a cracked screen and viruses.

Bartlett appeared in court yesterday where the judge sentenced him to seven and a half years in prison. He will also sign the sex offenders register for life.

Officer in the case DC Julian Smith said: “Graham Bartlett has now been convicted of a number of sexual offences committed against children.

“Despite overwhelming evidence pointing to Bartlett having a sexual interest in young boys, he’s never had the courage to admit what he did and as a result, forced the victims to give evidence at court.

“I would like to thank all those connected to the case for remaining engaged during the court process.

“We will continue to investigate all allegations of child sexual abuse, regardless of when it was reported, and support victims every step of the way.”

Description

A dangerous sexual predator has been jailed for raping two women.

Matthew Hall, aged 39, from Newton Abbot, was described as a 'monster' by one of his traumatised victims and a 'worst nightmare' by the other.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and a further five charges of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration.

He initially claimed to suffer with sexomnia - also known as sex sleep - but later admitted his guilt.

Exeter Crown Court was told he poses a danger to women. The judge sentenced him to 14 years with an extra two years added on extended licence due to the risk he poses.

The court heard harrowing victim personal statements from both women.

One said that before the incident she had been a happy, bubbly and independent woman. She now feels broken and mentally tortured by what happened. She suffers ongoing anxiety and panic attacks, flashbacks and nightmares.

Hall waited until the day after his planned trial had been due to start before admitting rape.

The victim said the wait for justice had only added to her agony but she had found the strength to fight for the truth.

The second woman said the rape had left her in a constant state of fear and still haunts her. She feels the confident person she was is a distant memory.

The defendant is a man of previous good character. The court was told Hall had a 'perfect blue-eyed boy image' which hid his true sinister nature.

A pre-sentence report described him as 'manipulative and predatory' and someone who took advantage of women when they were at their most vulnerable.

He poses a high risk of causing serious harm to women.

Judge Anna Richardson said 'in spite of extremely strong evidence' Hall waited before pleading guilty.

She accepted he is remorseful, to an extent. She added: "No person is one dimensional, and those references make clear that you can be kind, supportive, helpful, diligent, and are loved by your family and friends who are incredibly sad."

But she said a determinate sentence would not fully address the risk he represents to the public in the future. The parole board will decide when the right time is to release him after which he will be on licence for the full 16 years.

He was put on the sex offenders register for life.

Afterwards, investigating officer, Detective Constable Tia Smallridge said: “This has been a long and protracted investigation spanning over four years. The defendant, Mr Hall, targeted and took advantage of the victims, and violated them in a place where they should have felt safe from harm.

“Even throughout the court proceedings, various efforts to thwart the case has been successfully overcome and resulted in Hall pleading guilty.

“Hall is a dangerous sexual predator whose own sexual desire and preoccupation was his only thought. He showed no regard for the victims and the impact of his actions on their lives, not only at the material time of the offending, but also the lasting impact his actions will have in their futures.

“I praise the courage and commitment of both victims during the course of the investigation and court proceedings. Without their bravery and trust in the police and justice system to seek justice on their behalf, we would not be able to welcome the sentence passed by Her Honour Judge Anna Richardson today."

Description

A rapist who changed his story multiple times in a bid to escape justice has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.  

Jordan Hewitt, 33, of Thorverton, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Friday 25 July after previously being found guilty by a jury of rape.

During the trial, the court heard how in May 2022 the victim in the case went out with friends in Tiverton.

At the end of the night, she received a Facebook message from Hewitt offering her a place to stay.

The victim met Hewitt, and they went together to the defendant’s brother’s house as she didn’t want to wake her mum.

The victim went to sleep fully clothed and was awoken by Hewitt raping her. She immediately shoved Hewitt off and called her mum for a lift home, disclosing to her straight away what had happened.

Later that day the victim sent Hewitt a Facebook message asking ‘why did you do that to me?’ Hewitt completely dismissed the question and replied asking her if she got back okay and saying she could call him if she wanted. She then blocked him on Facebook.

Around three weeks later Hewitt bumped into one of the victim’s friends and thinking quickly, the friend secretly recorded Hewitt giving his initial account of the incident to her.

In the recording Hewitt admitted penetrating the victim and then stopping when she shoved him off.

During this account Hewitt seemingly tried excusing his actions saying, ‘she clearly met me for a bit of fun’. Hewitt was then captured saying that the victim will be forced to leave town and beaten up should the matter go to court.

In interview, Hewitt claimed that it was the victim that initiated sexual activity. Hewitt initially denied making any threats around assaulting the victim.

Part of secret recording containing the threat was then presented to him, causing the defendant to panic. He then changed his story to admitting to making the threat but not meaning it.

The remainder of the secret recording was then played to Hewitt, in which he gave his account of the incident. This again caused him to panic and again change his account, now saying that the victim didn’t tell him to stop, but there was ‘a bit of a weird moment where she looked like she backed out’.

On the case going to court Hewitt yet again changed his account saying in his defence statement that he was too drunk to have sex.

Then in cross examination revised his account again saying that he didn't have sex due to the awkward angle between him and the victim, who was facing away from him.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Andrew Stacey from Exeter CID said:

“We welcome the sentence handed down by the court, which would not have been possible without the courage and continued support of the victim throughout the investigation.

“I would also like to thank all the witnesses who came forward and gave evidence, particularly one individual whose quick thinking to covertly record one of Hewitt’s accounts played a crucial role in exposing his ongoing deception.

“Hewitt is a manipulative man who showed a complete lack of regard for the individual he harmed. His persistent dishonesty and repeated changes to his story ultimately led to his downfall.

“I hope this outcome provides the victim with a sense of closure as she continues to move forward with her life.”

Description

A prolific offender whose sexual violence against women spanned more than a decade has today, Friday 30 May, been jailed for 30 years plus an extra five years to be served on extended licence.

Peter Wilkinson, 53 of Drake Gardens, Tavistock, was found guilty of 21 separate offences following a five-week trial at Plymouth Crown Court.

He must serve 2/3 of the 30 year custodial sentence element of the sentence before he can be considered for parole. Wilkinson must also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. 

During the trial, the court heard how the offending took place between 2012 and 2024 in the Tavistock area against five women, four of whom were especially vulnerable.

Wilkinson was arrested in October 2023 following a report that he had sexually abused a woman on numerous occasions. He was arrested and after extensive investigative work, the investigating officer was able to identify and establish a further four more victims who Wilkinson had also targeted and abused.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Craig Ferguson prepared a voluminous and intricate case with the assistance of Beth Wycherley, a Senior Crown Prosecution Service lawyer from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team. Wilkinson was charged with multiple rapes, sexual offences, physical assaults and strangulation, all of which he denied. He remained on remand in custody until the start of his trial at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday 24 March 2025. 

Throughout the trial the jury heard detailed evidence from each of the five victims who spoke of the trauma Wilkinson had caused them. The jury also heard evidence from multiple witnesses, and from Wilkinson himself who denied any offences and claimed that all of the victims had lied about him.

On 22nd April 2025, after two days deliberation, the jury came back with unanimous verdicts finding him guilty of multiple counts of rape, serious sexual assault, physical assault and strangulation committed against five victims. 

Today, Friday 30 May, the court reconvened at Plymouth Crown Court for Wilkinson’s sentencing. 

The court heard powerful victim impact statements. One victim said that she never wanted to see Wilkinson’s face again. She described: “He hurt me, he frightened me and he forced me to do things I did not want to do.”

Another spoke of being “vulnerable, frightened and exhausted” and suffering repeated nightmares and flashbacks. 

A number of the victims spoke of still being in fear of Wilkinson even though he is locked up.

In mitigation it was heard that Wilkinson has an intellectual disability which results in him living a “basic” existence. 

In sentencing Wilkinson, HHJ Robert Linford said the following: “You were a sexual predator who selected, groomed and abused woman.”

Judge Linford added that Wilkinson carefully selected the majority of his victims due to their vulnerabilities and inflicted physical pain and suffering on them. He also detailed the profound effect Wilkinson’s offending had.

He said: “It does not need me to say that these offences dredge the depths of depravity”, before adding that the offending “utterly beggars belief”.

Judge Linford noted that Wilkinson suffers his own intellectual difficulties, but knows right from wrong, adding “I am sure you targeted these women because of their vulnerabilities”. 

Speaking after the trial DC Craig Ferguson said: “Peter Wilkinson is a dangerous and predatory sexual offender. The offences in this case were harrowing with vulnerable people being targeted and abused in their homes where they should have been able to feel safe and secure.

“I have been a police officer and detective for 21 years, and this is some of the worst and most disturbing offending that I have been caused to deal with.

“This has been a lengthy, complex, and difficult investigation. I know that the outcome of this case will not have diminished the impact that Peter Wilkinson has had upon the victims and their lives, but I hope that they can now try to move forward in the knowledge that he cannot hurt them, or anyone else, anymore.

“I want to pay tribute to the strength and courage of the five women who have survived this abuse, and who each found the strength and determination to give their evidence to the court.

“Without the courage and resolve of these women Peter Wilkinson’s offending may have never come to light, and he may never have been identified and brought to justice.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Neil Lloyd said: “I welcome today’s verdict and thank the court and jury for their time. 

“My thoughts remain with the victims who have shown tremendous courage and strength throughout the investigation and during the trial. I hope today’s verdict provides some degree of closure and that they can begin to rebuild their lives. 

“Wilkinson was a prolific offender whose violence against women spanned more than a decade. He selected the victims because they were vulnerable, and he probably thought they would never be able to speak out or be listened to.

“I want to mention DC Craig Ferguson and PC Helen Winterson, a sexual offences liaison officer (SOLO). DC Ferguson meticulously built the prosecution case over several years, working tirelessly and with great commitment to completing all possible enquiries, whilst PC Winterson  supported the victims throughout the difficult criminal justice process, assisting DC Ferguson with some of the victim interviews, and supporting the most vulnerable in the case. 

“Their work, together with our colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, left the jury in no doubt of Wilkinson’s guilt, and ensured the victims’ voices were heard loud and clear.

“We would urge victims of sexual abuse to report their perpetrators. I would like to reassure them that we are fully committed to putting an end to violence against women and girls. We have officers like Craig and Helen across the force who are ready to listen to you and ensure your voice is heard.”

Description

A registered sex offender who travelled from Devon to Wiltshire to sexually abuse a young girl has been jailed following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Jon Iacomino, 56, from Honiton, made the journey last September, after communicating online to make plans to abuse a girl. When he arrived in Wiltshire, he was met by officers from SWROCU, arrested, and has been remanded in custody since.  

Iacomino was already on the Sex Offenders’ Register.  

He pleaded guilty in March to:  

• two counts of arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence  
• three counts of making category A, B and C indecent images   
• two counts of distributing category C indecent images   
• one count of possessing extreme pornography  

He was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (16 May) to a total of eight years and 10 months, with five years 10 months in prison and three years on extended licence.  

During the sentencing the Judge said Iacomino “represented a significant and ongoing risk of causing harm in the future by the commission of similar further offences”. He was deemed to need “careful supervision” which could only be done by the judge handing him an extended licence of three years.  

Four further offences, two of making and two of distributing indecent images of a child, will lie on file.  

Iacomino will be on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely and was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.