Jason Ford, a 32-year-old man from Plymouth, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison after being convicted of multiple offences, including assaulting emergency workers and racially aggravated harassment. His crime spree occurred across Exeter, Bridgwater, and Plymouth over the past year, during which he exhibited erratic and violent behaviour.
The string of events began in February 2022 when police responded to reports of a disturbance on Cathedral Green in Exeter. Upon arrival, officers found Ford, visibly intoxicated, lying on Fore Street. He falsely claimed that he had been stabbed in the head and provided an alias to the police. It was during this encounter that law enforcement officials realised he was wanted for a recall to prison. While being taken into custody, Ford spat bloody phlegm at officers and made a series of threatening statements, including "grossly racist remarks," prosecutor Paul Grumbar stated in court proceedings.
In October, Ford’s behaviour escalated further when he was found intoxicated again, this time on the floor in Bridgwater. He was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, where he made threats to medical staff, claiming they were "not from my country and taking f*g benefits," and even threatened to kill a care assistant. His harassment continued a week later in Plymouth, where he assaulted a restaurant worker at Turtle Bay after consuming £27 worth of food and drink without making payment. When confronted, Ford reacted with physical violence, punching the worker.
Furthermore, while in police custody, Ford engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including urinating in a police van and defecating in his cell. This pattern of behaviour led to a series of charges, including assaulting emergency workers, common assault, and criminal damage. He has a documented history of substance abuse challenges, specifically with alcohol and drugs, which contributed to his erratic actions during the incidents.
During the court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, Ford's defence attorney, Stephen Nunn, argued that his client suffers from ADHD, leading to impulsive and aggressive tendencies when intoxicated. Nunn quoted Ford’s assertion, “I’m not a racist, I have a black auntie,” in an attempt to contextualise his client's offensive remarks made while under the influence. The defence described Ford as having been "cursed with difficulties" and recounted his experience in a Bangkok deportation cell, where he spent two and a half months amidst turmoil triggered by his intoxication.
Judge Stephen Cimie, reflecting on Ford’s actions, described him as “a positive danger to society,” warning that his current trajectory could lead to a premature death due to violence or substance abuse. The judge underscored the seriousness of Ford’s behaviour, noting that anyone who encountered him during those moments would likely have been subjected to abuse or physical harm.
Ford’s sentencing adds to the ongoing concerns surrounding public order offences and the challenges faced by emergency services in dealing with intoxicated individuals exhibiting violent behaviour.
Source: Noah Wire Services