A series of serious criminal cases have been brought before Exeter Magistrates Court, reflecting a range of offences including violence, fraud, and driving violations. The court has seen individuals from various towns across Devon, including Exeter, Exmouth, and Barnstaple, facing different charges.
One notable case involves a man from Broadclyst, aged 32, who was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for a racially aggravated assault and for assaulting a police officer, as well as for criminal damage. This incident occurred on 3 April 2025.
Additionally, numerous driving-related offences were also recorded. Natasha Montgomery, aged 32, from Teignmouth Road, Torquay, is set to face trial in the crown court for allegedly causing serious injury to a female by dangerous driving on the A30 at Tedburn St Mary on 28 March 2024. The next court hearing for her case is scheduled for 2 May 2025.
Fraud allegations have also been prominent in these proceedings. Anthony Gates, aged 62, from Albion Court in Exmouth, faces charges of fraud by abuse of position, spanning a period from 24 September 2011 to 25 August 2022. His case is also scheduled for the crown court on 2 May 2025. Similarly, Peter Findlay, a 72-year-old accountant from Helena Place in Exmouth, has been charged with fraud by abuse of position for an alleged offence that occurred on 7 March 2022.
Other cases include 25-year-old Elizabeth Rooney from Exeter, who allegedly inflicted grievous bodily harm on another female on 30 July 2023, and her case will be heard in the crown court on 2 May 2025.
In a further case, 44-year-old Graham Muirhead from Wellington Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to assaulting a man at St Stephens Church Exeter on 1 January 2025. He received a four-week prison sentence, which has been suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £50 in compensation.
The court has also dealt with various incidents of anti-social behaviour and minor criminal activities. Michael Roberts, aged 41, from Ashreigney, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including drug possession, shoplifting, and causing actual bodily harm. He was given a community order for 18 months.
In a separate incident, carried out on 26 January 2025, Luke Harris, a 30-year-old from Barnstaple, caused criminal damage to a local estate agency and was given a conditional discharge for three years with compensation ordered.
The information was reported from court proceedings capturing a broad spectrum of offences, showcasing the range of criminal behaviour being addressed in the magistrate courts across Devon. These hearings continue to play a critical role in managing public safety and addressing the legal outcomes of various criminal actions.
Source: Noah Wire Services