Gangs responsible for flooding Devon with class A drugs sentenced after covert police operation

September 8, 2014, 10:31 am

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A CAREER criminal who ran two gangs bringing drugs worth hundreds of thousands of pounds into Devon has been jailed for 18 years. Bar boss Seamus Murphy, aged 43, watched his cocaine operation smashed by police and simply switched to trafficking amphetamine. Seven others in the two gangs have been jailed for a total of 37 years at Plymouth Crown Court. Judge Geoffrey Mercer told Murphy: "You are a career criminal. You make your money for crime and you were organising the supply of both these drugs into Plymouth." Murphy, of Windermere Crescent, Crownhill, was jailed for 13 years for conspiracy to supply the Class A drug between September 11 and April 2012. He was given another five years for plotting to supply amphetamine in July and August 2012. Murphy, who has already served two long jail sentences for dealing drugs, had denied both offence but was found guilty in July after a four-week trial. Andrew Lightfoot, aged 55, of Martin Lynch-Collins, aged 59, Christopher Fitzgerald, aged 50, and 28-year-old Robert Fitzgerald plotted together to bring the Class A drug from London. Lightfoot, of Addington South, Liskeard, was jailed for nine years and Lynch-Collins, of Headland Park, Greenbank, was handed eight years. Both had denied the same offence but were also found guilty alongside Murphy. Christopher Fitzgerald, of Grannys Green, Bodmin, was jailed for eight years and eight months and Londoner Robert Fitzgerald was given seven years and four months. Both had admitted their part in the plot. Gavin Moffatt, aged 58, denied conspiracy but admitted his Callington home was used to cut the drugs. He was given a suspended prison sentence. The court heard that police seized a kilo of cocaine with a street value of about £45,000 and £20,000 in cash from Robert Fitzgerald and Lynch-Collins in April 2012. But officers tracked 16 separate trips where the drug may have been brought to Plymouth from London over the proceeding nine months. Cocaine was taken to Liskeard on the train and cut in Callington before being taken to Plymouth and Bodmin for sale. Judge Mercer estimated that the amount of cocaine brought from the capital was about 10 kilos – worth about £450,000. In the second drugs ring, Murphy again organised runs into Devon and Cornwall. Ashley Paffett, from Plymouth, acted as the courier, bringing the drugs down from Merseyside on July 31, 2012. Liverpudlians Kevin Clark and Robert Henry were riding shotgun. Police stopped their Ford Focus on the M5 near Cullompton at 12.50am on August 1. It contained ten kilos of cocaine, with a purity of four per cent. Divided into deals, the amphetamine had a street value of about £100,000. Clark, aged 26, of Cicely Street, Liverpool, was jailed for three years plus an extra 12 months for fraud, possession of a knife and affray outside the Plymouth area. Henry, aged 30, was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. Paffett had previously been jailed for two years. Judge Mercer estimated that the gang had brought a total of about 20 kilos into Plymouth, including previous drug runs. Mark Worsley, for Murphy, said there was no evidence of him living the "high life". He argued that he had held a significant rather than a leading role in the gangs. Mr Worsley said he had done well since being remanded in prison, achieving enhanced status. Detective Sergeant Stuart Gilroy said after the case: "This is another example which shows that Devon and Cornwall Police will go to great lengths to stem the flow of drugs into the region, bring those involved to justice and seize the proceeds of their criminality. "We are satisfied with the sentences delivered today and hope this serves as a deterrent to those considering trafficking drugs into Devon and Cornwall." The convictions were secured under Operation Rosco, which was a long term, covert investigation into the supply of cocaine and amphetamine into Devon and Cornwall. Fifteen defendants in total have been sentenced under Operation Rosco. The majority were sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court today. Detective Sergeant Stuart Gilroy, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer from the Serious and Organised Crime Investigation Team, said: "This was a long and complex investigation which included Devon and Cornwall, Liverpool and London. It has involved the detailed examination of the movements of those involved which included surveillance across the country. "During the investigation Devon and Cornwall Police worked closely with the National Crime Agency (NCA) who provided professional and invaluable assistance and resources without whom a successful conclusion may not have been possible. I would like to extend my thanks to them for the work they did on Operation Rosco. "This is another example which shows that Devon and Cornwall Police will go to great lengths to stem the flow of drugs into the region, bring those involved to justice and seize the proceeds of their criminality. "We are satisfied with the sentences delivered today and hope this serves as a deterrent to those considering trafficking drugs into Devon and Cornwall." The sentences given to the defendants are as follows: Seamus Murphy was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine. The following men have been sentenced for conspiracy to supply cocaine: Christopher Fitzgerald – eight years and eight months Robert Fitzgerald – seven years and four months Martin Lynch-Colins – eight years Andrew Lightfoot – nine years The following men have been sentenced for conspiracy to supply amphetamine: Ashly Paffett – two years Robert Henry – two years suspended for 2 years Kevin Clark – three years Kevin Blaney – four years and nine months Derek Hunter – three years and four months David Sabine – sentencing postponed Gavin Moffat was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, for allowing his premises to be used for the production of cocaine. Tracey Jenkins was given a community order for possession with intent to supply amphetamine. Maria McClure was given a community order for possession with intent to supply amphetamine. Nicola Greenwood was given a suspended sentence for possession with intent to supply amphetamine. Daniel Harris remains wanted by police.

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Transgender woman from Tiverton says she is too afraid to use toilets at work

September 8, 2014, 2:33 pm

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A TRANSGENDER woman too afraid to use the toilet at work has spoken out about the discrimination she has faced from colleagues. Bryony Stevens (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) began work at Broad Oak Toiletries in Tiverton earlier this year and says she was asked to use the toilet facilities in reception to avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable. Members of the firm, which manufactures toiletries and fragrances, have treated Bryony differently, she feels, because she was once a man. She says that staff have openly joked about transgenderism in front of her, using the word "lady boy" to describe transgender male to females. The 31-year-old wants to raise awareness of the daily difficulties transgender people face. She said: "Everyone is meant to be equal these days but even when you're in work you're not getting equal opportunities. Companies are allowing certain staff to joke about sensitive issues." At work, Bryony says she has faced discrimination with other employees referring to her as a 'He'. She said: "It's like people treat me differently because they see me and don't think I look like a woman. But my name is Bryony. I changed my name legally, in the eyes of the law I am female." Bryony did not want to use the male toilet facilities at the factory but was shocked and surprised at the response she received from management when she explained. She said: "It was suggested I used the toilets in the reception area instead. A manager told me not to go on about transgenderism all the time."The manager said when I tried to bring it up again, "I'm a heterosexual female and I don't go on about it all the time so stop going on about transgenderism!"" The idea of using the toilets in the centralised area of reception filled Bryony with dread and she took drastic measures to ensure she wouldn't use the toilet at work. Bryony said: "I actually hold on to go to the toilet until I get home and I make sure I don't drink anything for 12 hours before starting the shift so there is less chance of me needing the toilet when I'm there. She said using the toilets in the reception area would make her feel embarrassed and ashamed. She said: "I'd feel uncomfortable with people waiting there, looking at me, wondering why I'm using reception toilets when I could be using normal staff toilets." From a young age Bryony says she knew she was different and remembers feeling awkward getting changed with the boys at primary school. When taking the brave decision to live her life as a female, she did it without her family's support. She said: "Both my parents are strictly religious and when I came out about it, they disowned me." Bryony, who lives in the Mid Devon area, had struggled to get work until this year and spent the past five years unemployed. She said: "As soon as I began living life as a woman I've found it difficult to get a job. I've been to interviews as Bryony but had no success. On one occasion I went for an interview at a restaurant and arrived ten minutes early. The guy before me was a no show and they came out with his CV thinking I was him." Bryony felt inspired to come out about the discrimination she has faced after reading the case of Kay Browning, who was told to use the disabled facilities at a club. Bryony said: "Kay is fighting the cause for transgender people everywhere. His story has inspired me to tell mine." Bryony has not reported the incidents at Broad Oak Toiletries of fear of losing her job. Sarah James, human resources manager at Broak Oak Toiletries, said the company operated an equal opportunities policy. She said: "We operate an equal opportunities policy and that is laid out in the staff handbook. When new staff arrive they are trained about the importance of respecting people regardless of what background they come from." She said she was unaware of specific complaints of jokes or inappropriate remarks being made but said where reported they would be investigated. "We have a zero tolerance policy on harassment and where remarks are made which have upset somebody, I would invite them to come forward and make the HR department aware." She said there were three toilets within the factory; male, female and unisex in the reception area. She said: "If an employee is transgender, it would be their choice to be able to use whichever toilets they felt most comfortable with."

Exeter NHS sexual health clinic launches campaign targetting over 40s

September 8, 2014, 2:45 pm

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MEN and women aged over 40 are the target of a sexual health campaign launched by an NHS clinic in Exeter. The Centre, managed by the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, is aiming to raise awareness among over-40s of the sexual health and contraceptive services it provides. The move comes ahead of Sexual Health Week 2014, which runs from 15 to 21 September. Data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) shows that the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise among those aged 45 to 64, while HIV diagnoses have doubled in the over-50s over the past decade. April Brooks, senior nurse at The Centre, said some of these trends were evident locally and could be attributed to higher levels of unprotected sex and changes in lifestyle and attitudes. She said: "The average age for men and women to get divorced in England and Wales is in their early 40s. "Therefore many individuals in their 40s are now dating again. "The Royal Pharmaceutical Society found that almost 20 per cent of people aged 45 to 54 had unprotected sex in the last year with someone other than a long-term partner. "Whatever their circumstances, people in this age group may not have had to think about contraception or sexual health for many years. "Safer sex messages aimed at young people may make them feel that these warnings are not relevant to them, but STIs are making a comeback in this generation and we all need to be vigilant." April said unintended pregnancies among women aged over 40 could be avoided with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). She said: "Because of targeted awareness of these contraceptives, terminations in the under-18s have dropped significantly in the last decade. "However, many women entering the period prior to the menopause in their 40s often feel that their risk of pregnancy is low, or that they cannot use certain methods of contraception due to their age or other health factors. This is not always true. "Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) data from 2010 showed that women in their 40s do experience unintended pregnancies and some opt for abortion. "It is important that women are aware that this is avoidable and that there are a wide range of contraceptive methods available." The Centre, in Sidwell Street, is holding an open afternoon on Saturday 20 September for men and women aged 40 or over. People can drop in any time between 2pm and 4pm and take a test for all STIs, including HIV, and receive contraceptive advice and free condoms. April said: "Our trained doctors and nurses will be available to answer questions and provide information about safer sex and contraception, perform basic screening and signpost to other relevant services. "If you are aged 40 or over and are sexually active with a long-term or new partner, please come in and see what we can do to help you." Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's improving health and wellbeing portfolio holder, said: "Sexual ill-health can affect people of all ages. "Sexuality and the way an individual expresses him or herself may change over time. "To make informed and responsible decisions, individuals need to be aware of the risks they face, how to protect their sexual health and how to access appropriate and confidential services when required." To book an appointment at The Centre, call 01392 284982 or 284983: For more information, visit www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/sexualhealth.

Cannabis users plan to smoke openly at Exeter park in protest at 'ridiculous' law

September 8, 2014, 2:57 pm

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Cannabis smokers will gather to openly smoke the drug during a protest picnic in Exeter later this month. The Devon Cannabis Club will be holding its Harvest Picnic at Flowerpot Playing Fields in Exeter on September 27 between 2pm and 6pm. Last year a similar protest was held in Exeter that was attended by around 60 cannabis users. This year's event is being promoted on facebook and the page states: "Come and join us for a picnic and to consume herb to lift the blanket of stigma and these ridiculous laws." So far, 40 people have confirmed on the facebook page they will be attending. Daryl Sullivan, is the South West regional admin for The United Kingdom Cannabis Social Clubs, a national NGO made up of grass-roots movements all over the country. He said: "Our aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of cannabis and to address the bias and misinformation so often seen in the mainstream media. "To this end we have, for the past two years, been holding public 'protest picnics' around the country. "These are gatherings where people get together and openly smoke cannabis to prove that it can be done sensibly and without harm to anyone, and to show the absurdity of its illegal status. We also provide leaflets and information regarding cannabis, the harms of prohibition and why we believe a legal, regulated system would take away many of the problems we see now. "The protests have been quite sucessful at pushing this issue into the public eye." Last year around 60 people took part in a similar event at Flowerpot Fields. Although there was a strong police presence in the park there were no arrests. Police had pledged to monitor the event and said that while anyone smoking cannabis would be breaking the law, they recognised the right to peaceful protest. And police confirmed that the protest passed without incident and no arrests were made.

Family pays tribute to cyclist who died after crash on A38 Exeter-bound carriageway

September 8, 2014, 3:12 pm

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a cyclist who died after his bike was involved in a crash with a lorry on the A38. The 58-year-old, named locally as supermarket worker Chris Dennehy, died at Derriford Hospital as a result of injuries suffered in the collision on the Exeter-bound carriageway on Friday morning. It is understood Mr Dennehy rode the route to work for a number of years. Chris's family has paid tribute to him, they said: "Chris worked at Tesco Lee Mill for 35 years and was highly valued and much liked by staff and customers. "He loved cycling and rode to work daily. He was a committed Catholic who spent all of his free time helping others and raising funds for charity. "A staunch fundraiser for HCPT, The Pilgrimage Trust, for over 30 years he raised tens of thousands of pounds to help handicapped and underprivileged children. "The family are understandably devastated by this sudden and tragic loss. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. "The family would like to express their gratitude to the Emergency Service personnel who attended the scene of the accident and the Trauma Team at Derriford for all of their efforts to save Chris." The male driver of the lorry who was arrested is 42, from Plymouth. The crash happened shortly before 11am on Friday on the eastbound lane of the A38 between the Plympton and Lee Mill junctions. Police confirmed on Friday evening that the lorry driver, aged in his early 40s, had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to Charles Cross police station for questioning, but was released on bail until November 4.

Mark Renshaw wins stage two of Tour of Britain

September 9, 2014, 12:31 am

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Mark Renshaw won stage two of the Tour of Britain on Monday with a thrilling sprint finish along Llandudno seafront. Renshaw, so often the creator of wins for others, grabbed a much deserved slice of the glory when he raced clear of Ben Swift and Sam Bennett in the closing stages. The win, Renshaw's first in Omega Pharma Quick-Step colours, is his second in the Tour of Britain. His first came in Exmouth, in 2011, where the race will visit on Thursday when stage five sees competitors start in the Devon seaside town and race towards Exeter. With Mark Cavendish having to take a back seat, after picking up a thigh injury in a stage one crash, Renshaw, along with Niki Terpstra and Michael Kwiatkowski were given a free rein in the race. Speaking about his victory in stage two, a 200.8km leg from Knowsley to Llandudno, Renshaw said: "It was pretty exciting especially that last five kilometres, I would imagine it would make pretty good TV," "Nobody in our team knew the finish so we were going by word of mouth and the road book but it certainly suited me. I've got good legs after the Tour de France and was going very well. "It was a shame that Cav crashed, it would have been the perfect sprint for him in my wheel but he is still trying to recover a bit. It's pretty amazing he is still in the race really. "It's great to reward the team with a victory, it's the first time I've been able to do that. It's a fantastic feeling. Over the years I have learned to get that feeling from helping other riders. I've dedicated a big proportion of my career to helping other guys. Not only Cav but Boasson Hagen, Henderson, Griepel, Hushovd - great riders - but it's always nice to win a race personally. Stage three sees Tour of Britain remain in Wales, with Monmouthshire's Tumble mountain above Abergavenny set to play host to the first summit finish in the Principality. Marcel Kittel drew first blood in the Tour of Britain as he sprinted clear of his rivals to win stage one in Liverpool on Sunday.

Council blasted as "greedy" for targetting motorists attending Sunday car boot sale in Exeter

September 9, 2014, 1:08 am

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DEVON County Council has been slammed as 'greedy' for handing out parking tickets to those attending Exeter's Sunday car boot sale. The sale is at Exeter Livestock Centre with car parking provided at the adjacent park and ride site but often overspills. In the five months between April and August this year 152 parking tickets have been handed out to drivers parking in Matford Park Road, raising £5,320, although three years ago Exeter's highways committee ordered that restrictions on a Sunday should be lifted. And in the two years between April 2012 and April 2014, 452 tickets were dished out at the road on a Sunday. In 2011 committee members were told by officers that, because of budget cuts, the traffic regulation order (TRO) making the change would have to be tacked on to another to save costs and the county council says now that the resources are still not available. County councillors Percy Prowse and Olwen Foggin have denounced the county's behaviour as 'outrageous' and 'appalling'. Cllr Prowse said: "It is outrageous that they have not complied with the instruction from the highways committee. "They are just doing this to raise revenue and this is a soft target on a Sunday. There is no congestion on this road then. "The county council has advertised countless traffic orders in those three years and because there are no residents down there the requirement in law to relax Sunday restrictions just requires a notice on a lamp-post and several lines at the end of another TRO. "They don't have to change the line on the road which is already there but just put up a new plate at the side of the road. The county council is being greedy and should be ashamed of itself." He added: "This is so frustrating when there was an unanimous decision three years ago that these parking restrictions would be lifted. "I will be taking this back to the next highways committee in November." Cllr Foggin said: "I think this is absolutely appalling. This car boot is the best source of recycling and fresh produce that Devon has. If the county council was really serious about recycling, which it obviously is not, they would relax the parking restrictions as previously agreed." A Devon County Council spokesman said: "Exeter highways committee agreed in 2011 that a traffic regulation order to allow Sunday parking on the southwest side of Matford Park Road be advertised as resources permit. Unfortunately the resources have not been available since then. Until any order is changed, the existing regulations will continue to be enforced." Dave Lewis, the city council's events facilities and markets' manager, said: "The people that get tickets are people who have parked illegally. "We provide as much off road parking as we can and we have spoken to Devon County Council about lifting the restrictions on a Sunday, but it is in the hands of the county council. "The market is as busy as it has ever been." Allowing parking on Matford Park Road would provide approximately 50 additional spaces.

Devastated schoolboy turns dead pet rat into a flying rodent

September 9, 2014, 3:37 am

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A schoolboy left devastated by the death of his pet rat has had the animal stuffed and turned -- into a FLYING rodent. Pepeijn Bruins, 13, was heartbroken when his pet Ratjetoe - Dutch for Rattatouille - was stricken with cancer and he had to have him put down. But inventors Arjen Beltman and Bart Jansen came to his aid and stuffed the rat and attach radio-controlled propellers to let it fly. The result is the world's first airborne rat, which follows the bonkers Dutchmen's previous work - a flying cat. Pepeijn said: "I loved him very much. He always liked to be cuddled and he would run up my clothes and hide. "When I learned he had cancer and the vet had to put him to sleep I was very upset. "I had seen Bart and Arjen and their flying cat, and I asked my dad if it would be possible to have the rat fly." The rat has three propellers and an on board computer, which receives directions from the remote control. Bart and Arjen have also made a flying ostrich and are working on a jet-propelled flying shark. Arjen said: "When I heard the boy's rat had died of cancer, and how upset he was, I just knew I had to help. "Technically, it was very different to the cat, it has three rotors instead of four, and being a small rodent, it is extremely lightweight, so prone to being blown by the wind." Bart added: "Flight is man's greatest achievement, so why not give it to more animals? The world needs more flying animals." Their weird work is showcased today (Weds) in a documentary on bizarre the world of taxidermy. All Creatures Great and Stuffed, on Channel 4 at 10pm, follows the crazy lives of taxidermists around the world. Matt Rudge, who directed the film, said: "Everything I caught on camera during this documentary was jaw dropping, from a man that freeze dries beloved dead pets for their grieving owners, to a shop selling creations made from roadkill. "However, the inventions of Bart and Arjen were something else. I never thought I would see a cat fly, let alone it also flying after a rat with propellers. "When they then told me their next plan was for a Jet powered Shark, i thought they were winding me up. But three months later it was ready to launch."

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Pilot tells jury he lost £210,000 by investing in failed Topsham boatyard

September 9, 2014, 4:07 am

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An airline pilot has told a jury how he lost £210,000 which he invested in a Topsham boatyard. Robert White sunk his money into the Exe Leisure business after being introduced to bosses Andrew Bowden and Paul Randle by his daughter Natalie. Randle, aged 47, is on trial at Exeter Crown Court accused of fraudulent trading at the company which went bust in July 2006. The prosecution say he and Bowden swindled boat owners who sold their craft through Exe Leisure and its brokerage business called Solent Management. They also allegedly defrauded finance companies by buying boats on hire purchase and selling them without permission and took deposits and payments for expensive engines which were never delivered. The two directors are alleged to have siphoned £136,000 from brokerage clients, and tens of thousands from hire purchase companies and engine buyers to try to prop up the failing business. They say Exe Leisure went from making profits of £40,000 a year to losses of £4,000 by 2005-6 and the directors were desperate to keep the venture afloat. Randle, aged 47, of Exeter Road, Topsham, denied fraudulent trading. He says he was not involved in handling money within the business. He is jointly charged with fellow director Bowden but the jury have been told they do not need to worry about considering verdict in his case. Randle says he played no part in the financial management of the company and lost £138,000 in personal guarantees when it went into administration. Commercial pilot Mr White, who is usually known by his middle name Ian, said he became involved in 2002 and invested £170,000 initially and a further £40,000 later. He received a 20 per cent share of the company but rarely visited its offices and workshops on Topsham Quay and Tremlett's Yard and never became a director or played any part in day to day management. He said he gave up his job to try to save his investment when he realised the company was in severe financial difficulty. His daughter Natalie, who is a Royal Yachting Association qualified sailing and powerboat instructor, worked for Exe Leisure when he first invested but had left by 2006. Mr White said:"I became aware things were going wrong in 2005. At that time I was working but I stopped so I could spend six to eight weeks trying to save my investment. "I was trying to find out how things were going and. I kept being asked by the directors if I could put in more money. "Mr Bowden would be the one asking but Mr Randle would be around. I asked to meet the bankers to discuss the state of the company and me and Mr Bowden met two or three people from HSBC. "I was recommended to see a company in Exeter who were specialists in business restructuring and they came to the offices on the Quay at Topsham. "Both directors were running the business, selling boats and engines. Mr Bowden was selling the boats and Mr Randle was doing more of the engines and spares and ancillary equipment. "I put in the further £40,000 but I never received anything back from my entire investment."

Exeter Chiefs winger Jack Arnott delighted with 'sensational' start

September 9, 2014, 5:28 am

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Winger Jack Arnott described scoring with his first touch on his Exeter Chiefs league debut as 'sensational'. The 21-year-old was a replacement for Sunday's Aviva Premiership match against London Welsh and crossed within minutes of making his way into the field at the Kassam Stadium. That was one of seven tries his side scored as they ran amok to claim a 52-0 win against the newly-promoted Exiles. And Devonian Arnott said: "I couldn't ask for much more, that's for sure. "It was a fantastic performance all round and to get a try and make my debut made it a sensational day." Arnott was one of nine debutants for the Chiefs on Sunday, with Thomas Waldrom (2) and Chrysander Botha also marking the occasion with tries. The other scores came from Dave Ewers, Sam Hill and Ian Whitten, with Gareth Steenson and Henry Slade kicking the rest of the points. While delighted to be named in the squad for the opening round of league games, Arnott knows he got his chance thanks to injuries to fellow wingers Jack Arnott, Tom James and Fetu'u Vainikolo. "It's obviously a really good pat on the back, but I think it shows the level of training that has been put in over pre-season," said Arnott, who is dual registered with hometown club Plymouth Albion. "Injuries have helped me to be here. You don't wish an injury on anyone, but I think I'm fortunate enough to be in this position and I've got to make very chance count. "I think Sunday went pretty well so it's a case now of pushing forward with that." As well as keeping his feet on the ground himself, Arnott said Exeter's squad were not getting carried away by their win against London Welsh. With Leicester making the trip to the expanded Sandy Park this Saturday, everyone in the camp knows a tougher test lies in store. "We were all ecstatic," he said of the reaction on Sunday. "To go away from home and put 50 points plus on a team is fantastic, but we know it was only week one. "We've got a big game this week so heads are staying level." Head coach Rob Baxter praised the way Arnott slotted into the team, having had his chances limited over recent seasons due to injuries. "Jack has had quite a frustrating period for a little while due to on and off injuries and not being able to put a long run of matches together and get really up to speed and feel comfortable with everything," said Baxter. "He did a bit for us in pre-season and on Sunday he fitted straight in and came up with a really good play, and after that he was very sound defensively as well. "There's a lot of good points to these lads. They work extremely hard and I'm a big believer that they get what they deserve. The guys who tend to be the most professional, work the hardest and are most diligent tend to be the ones who come through. "Jack was ready to go when he had an opportunity. His battle now is to make sure he performs at a level where he gets plenty of opportunities."

Rugby World Cup coming to Exeter this weekend to help celebrate re-opening of Sandy Park

September 9, 2014, 5:52 am

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Rugby's greatest prize, The Webb Ellis Cup, is being welcomed to Exeter this Saturday by the Lord Mayor Percy Prowse. The Trophy will be on display at Exeter's historic Guildhall and at Sandy Park, one of the 13 venues for Rugby World Cup 2015, on Saturday, September 13. The visit comes as up to one million tickets go on general sale for all 48 matches at Rugby World Cup 2015. This includes tickets for Tonga v Namibia, Namibia v Georgia and Italy v Romania which will be played at Sandy Park. People can have their picture taken with the Webb Ellis Cup Trophy at the Guildhall on the High Street from 10am until 12noon. The Trophy will then make the short journey across the city to Sandy Park to celebrate the reopening of the stadium after it's summer re-development. Fans attending the Exeter Chiefs' first home game of the season against Leicester Tigers will also be able to see the Trophy and have their picture taken with it, between 1pm and 3pm. Rugby fans are encouraged to upload their photos directly onto Facebook and Twitter including #RWC2015 within their post. Cllr Rosie Denham Lead Councillor for Economy & Culture, said: "Having the Webb Ellis Cup in Exeter for such an exciting day was a too big to miss. "The development work that has taken place at Sandy Park over the summer has been outstanding and Exeter is very proud to have such a forward thinking Rugby club within the city. "As we approach one year to go, Sandy Park is ready to host three Rugby World Cup 2015 matches and to provide state of art conference and meetings facilities for local, national and international conference organisers."

Elderly man suffers 'serious injuries' after crash on A379 between Dawlish and Teignmouth

September 9, 2014, 6:08 am

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An elderly man has suffered serious injuries after a collision that has closed a road between Dawlish and Teignmouth. The collision involving three cars happened on the A379 Dawlish to Teignmouth road at 10.50am today. A police spokesman said: "An elderly man, a passenger in one of the vehicles, has sustained a serious injury and is being treated at the scene. "There are no details of other injuries at this time." The A379 Teignmouth to Dawlish Road is currently closed at the junction of New Road and on the Teignmouth side. Traffic diversions are in place and police are asking drivers to avoid the area for the time being.

Man arrested after hunt for suspected knifeman in village near Exeter

September 10, 2014, 2:21 am

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Police spent an hour hunting a suspected knifeman in a mid-Devon village this morning. Officers received reports that a man in Bow, near Crediton, was in possession of a knife in a public place at 8.55am. It is understood a man was spoken to by a member of the public before he dropped his knife and ran off. Police then conducted a search of the area, including deploying the helicopter. A spokesman confirmed that a man was arrested following the search at 9.50am in a nearby field. He was taken into custody. No further details about the suspect have been released.

Exeter City announce reduction in ticket prices ahead of Oxford United match

September 10, 2014, 2:52 am

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Exeter City officials have reduced the price of tickets bought on matchdays at St James's Park in a bid to boost faltering attendances. The club has seen fewer than 3,000 spectators attend recent home matches against York City and Mansfield Town this season. That fell well below what had been predicted and forced a review of the club's ticket pricing structure – one of the most expensive in League Two. In most cases, City have reduced the on-the-gate ticket price by £4 for adults, senior citizens, students and under-18s. An adult can now get into the Big Bank on the day for £17, the Family Stand for £22 and the WTS Stand for £25. The new prices will be in place for the visit of Oxford United on Saturday. It is still cheaper to buy an advance ticket for games in most cases, but only by £1. It is hoped the reduction in cost of buying tickets on the day will tempt supporters back through the turnstiles at St James's Park. A statement from Exeter City read: "We appreciate that tickets should be easy to access in a variety of ways to match our supporters' needs. "Supporters will still be able to get a discount on their ticket price by buying early – advanced ticket prices are to remain the same, except for the student/under-18 prices in the Big Bank and Family Stand, which have been reduced. "This means that, in many cases, our fans will be able to come to support Exeter City for the same price, or cheaper, than last season. "At the same time we have significantly reduced gate and booth prices in every part of the ground for all age groups." Club officials were also aware that the changes in prices might upset those people who had already purchased season tickets or signed up to the club's FLEXeter scheme, covering 10 League Two matches. However, the club had a message for those supporters: "An important consideration has been to try and ensure that the prices paid by our season ticket and FLEXeter holders still represent the best value. "In the case of any anomaly, we appeal to fans to embrace the spirit in which these new changes for the remainder of the season have been made, namely to attempt to work in the interests of our supporters as a whole. "However, should you still consider that you have personally been affected detrimentally by these changes, please contact the club directly by telephoning 01392 411243 or e-mailing reception@exetercityfc.co.uk." A detailed breakdown of the new ticket prices at St James's Park can be found on the club's website.

Edoardo Zardini wins stage three of Tour of Britain

September 10, 2014, 3:14 am

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The Friends Life Yellow Jersey changed shoulders for the third consecutive day as Edoardo Zardini claimed victory atop the Tumble Mountain above Abergavenny. The Italian was first across the line at the summit, heading Michal Kwiatkowski by nine seconds, with Sir Bradley Wiggins leading in a small group in fifth, a further five seconds back. The win puts the Bardiani CSF into the Friends Life Yellow Jersey, giving the team control of two of the jerseys, with teammate Sonny Colbrelli retaining the YodelDirect Sprints Jersey for a third successive day. Zardini attacked from the moment the peloton turned left on the Tumble, one of the toughest climbs in Britain rising 500m in just six kilometres. Zardini danced rhythmically on his pedals and, with the bigger names marking each other, soon pulled out an advantage. Having ridden initially with Garmin Sharp's Jack Bauer from the foot of the climb, Zardini struck on alone before eventually Nicolas Roche of Tinkoff-Saxo decided to chance his arm and accelerated to join the young Italian and then, hitting a good patch, pulled ahead himself. Just for a moment the Irishman looked to be heading for the stage victory himself but the determined Italian was far from done. Pacing himself nicely Zardini, 24, stormed back in the final two kilometres and took line honours along for probably the best win of his career alongside his win in Stage Two of the Giro del Trentino earlier this year. "I live in Verona and today was very like many of the training rides I do around my home in Verona so it suited me fine," said Zardini. "I knew this climb had the reputation of being possibly the best in Britain and it lived up to its reputation. It very tough but for me it was a beautiful climb today. "I was never in trouble when Nicolas came up to join me. After attacking I was pacing my effort because I knew there would be more to do. " I let him go past and perhaps I kidded to be tired a little bit but actually I was feeling fine all the time and soon decided to go back on the attack. I felt fantastic and was able to enjoy the moment and all the support of the fans at the top. "We have come here to be aggressive and to race and we will fight hard to defend the jersey. I think we will probably need to try and find some more second somewhere in the other hard stages because obviously riders like Wiggins and Kwiatkowski will be very strong in the Time Trial. It will be difficult but we will try. Behind Zardini, the better known riders were fighting out an enthralling contest on the 179.9km run from Newtown to the top of the Tumble, basically the top of the famous Blorenge Mountain above Abergavenny and Blaenavon. Kwiatkowski finished very strongly nine second behind the Italian while Roche, who at one stage looked certain to pay for his earlier effort, clung on bravely for third place a further two seconds back. Rising Belgian star Dylan Teuns finished next on the same time while Wiggins arrived 14 seconds back behind the winner in fifth place. As usual, Wiggins opted to set his own pace and time trial his way up the mountain rather than react to the attacks in front of him and with David Lopez keeping him good company all the way to finish in good shape. His stated aim before the race was always to limit his losses on the Tumble, which he has done, and then work hard towards a possible showdown in the short time-trial on the 8.8km London circuit on Sunday. In the Friends Life General Classiciation contest Kwiatkowski is now second behind Zardini at 13 seconds, Roche third at 17, Teuns a further four second seconds back and Wiggins fifth at 24 along with teammate Lopez. Elsewhere Liverpudlian Mark McNally continued his strong showing to retain the SKODA King of the Mountains jersey, while Sonny Colbrelli, also of the triumphant Bardiani CSF team still leads the YodelDirect Sprints jersey. Ben Swift of Team Sky leads the Chain Reaction Cycles Point's jersey. Roche's Tinkoff Saxo teammate Manuele Boaro claimed the day's Rouleur Combativity Award, having featured in the six rider break, before striking out alone to be caught on the slopes of the Tumble. The Friends Life Tour of Britain returns to Worcestershire after a five-year absence on Stage Four, for a 184.6-kilometre leg from Worcester to Bristol, which culminates with the climb of Bridge Valley Road up to the finish on Clifton Downs.

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Stan Paxton set for Willand Rovers return

September 10, 2014, 3:24 am

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Scott Rogers hopes his forward line will be bolstered by the return of Stan Paxton for Saturday's FA Cup first round qualifying match at home to Saltash United. Rogers saw striker Joe Bushin leave for Taunton Town in the summer, while new signing James Blake has barely featured following a knee injury. Rovers' player-manager conceded that superior finishing was behind last week's 4-2 FA Vase loss to Plymouth Parkway. But he is optimsitic Paxton will be ready for Saturday's cup contest, while Luke Durham, who was injured against Parkway, may also be fit. "Hopefully we will have Stan Paxton back for Saltash. He got injured in the second game of the season but we are hoping to have him back," said Rogers, whose side entertained Hallen on Wednesday night. "That will be a boost for us because, with James Blake out, we have been a bit light up front recently. The guys who have come in have done well, but we could do with him back. "Luke Alden picked up a nasty injury so we will have to wait and see with him. James is still improving and is really looking forward to coming back and playing, but is probably still a couple of weeks away. "I think Saltash will be very similar to Parkway actually. They will have big, strong players and will come to our place fancying their chances of taking something from the match." Parkway opened the scoring after 44 minutes via Levi Landricombe, before former Tiverton Town man Shane Krac netted four minutes into the second half. Andrew Neal hit a third before Steve Orchard and Lee Smyth pulled two back, only for to Ryan Richards seal it. "I think the big difference between the two sides was the strikers," said Rogers. "Both Landricombe and Andrew Neal played very well and are very good players. They took their chances."

Josh Stunnell says anything but top half would be a failure for Sidmouth Town

September 10, 2014, 3:27 am

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Sidmouth Town manager Josh Stunnell admits that anything other than a top-half finish would feel like a failure. Stunnell, who replaced Paddy Thomas over the summer, has had a fine start to life at the helm of the Vikings, leading them to fourth place with 12 points after eight games. History, however, is not on his side, with the Manstone Lane club finishing 13th, 15th and 14th in their last three seasons, but Stunnell feels there is plenty of potential for improvement. "The objective for me, with the players I have, would have to be a top-half finish – I wouldn't want any less. Any less and I would feel like I had failed," said former Seaton Town boss Stunnell, whose side play Alphington on Saturday. "We have made a promising start but the annoying thing is that we have conceded a few silly goals and there are some games we have thrown away." Sidmouth thrashed Exwick Villa 5-1 on Saturday thanks to doubles from Ben Howard and Mark Pavey and one from Josh French. Callum Hoare did briefly level, but it was to no avail for Villa, who travel to Newton Abbot Spurs on Saturday. Stunnell believes that a batch of new additions have contributed to their improved performances. The likes of French, Howard, Charlie Ledge and Dale O'Donoghue have come in, but Stunnell also praised the change in mentality. "On the field, we have made a few additions and we are looking like a decent young side at the minute," he continued. "I think people are buying into what we are trying to do too. We are getting the most out of the existing players and obviously we have brought in some extra quality too. "We could still do with tightening up at the back but we have got goals throughout the side and that is good."Teignmouth head to Liverton United having thrashed Spurs 4-0 last time out. Adam Dyson hit two, with Ryan Bush and Hayden Roe also netting.St Martins manager Lee Annunziata says his side's lack of fear is behind their solid start. The Saints find themselves in mid-table following their 3-1 win over Plymstock United at the weekend, which came courtesy of goals from Luke Skinner, Dan Norman and Dylan Dare. They travel to Exeter University on Saturday – a difficult place for any team, according to Annunziata. "I have played at a higher standard and so have a couple of the lads and there is a difference," he said. "But it doesn't scare us, and that win on Saturday gives us even more confidence. It is all about getting that confidence and not fearing anybody." "The University is never an easy place to go," he went on. "It is wide and open and always windy. There isn't a great atmosphere either and it isn't my favourite place to play football but, because of that they do win a lot of games at home." The Students continued their fine start with a 4-1 victory over Liverton, with goals coming from Tom Male, Jack Jones, Tom Faktor and Myles Blenkinsop.Crediton United head to Brixham knowing that their away form must improve. Brixham won 6-0 on Saturday against Axminster Town, who travel to Galmpton next. And Kirton joint-player manager Perry Carpenter knows their opponents will provide a stern test for them. "We were aware when they came into this league that they were a good side," he said. "We are aware of their strengths. I saw that Dan Rankin scored five for them at the weekend, so we know what a good player he is. "We will not take them for granted, especially away from home. We know our away form has got to improve, so we will be very focused for it." Elsewhere, Alphington beat Okehampton Argyle 3-0 with goals from Sean Adderley, Ryan Leverton and Ryan Moody. Okey host a Budleigh Salterton side looking to bounce back from a 7-1 thrashing at leaders Galmpton, with a consolation from Jack Greenslade.

Traders hoping for boost as Tour of Britain comes to Exeter

September 10, 2014, 3:30 am

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A QUARTER of a million people are expected to line the route of the Tour of Britain as it makes its way through Devon on Thursday, September 11. Businesses and traders are hoping spectators will once again turn out in force to make it a day to remember – providing a final 'end of summer' boost to the local economy. According to an independent report, commissioned by Devon County Council, an extra £5.9m was injected into the county's economy as a direct result of the 2013 stage, which was watched by more than 250,000 spectators, including residents of Devon and visitors, along the route. And this year similar numbers of spectators are expected. TheDevon stage starts from Exmouth at around 11am, and covers more than 100 miles before it finishes in Exeter city centre, at around 3.20pm. The riders will enter the city via Cowley Bridge, Stoke Woods, Pennsylvania Road, Longbrook Street, York Road and Sidwell Street before a sprint finish on the High Street, close to the Exeter Riddle sculpture. Bus services on the High Street and Sidwell Street will be temporarily suspended. More than 60 police and civilian motorcycles will maintain and enforce a rolling road closure system for the riders. These motorcycles close the roads in front of the race. Once the race has departed an area, the roads will open again. In practice, roads may be closed for between 15 minutes and half an hour, depending upon the terrain, weather and race location. Where and when to watch: Exmouth, The Strand: start 11:00; Budleigh Salterton: 11:16; Woodbury: 11:30; Clyst St George: 11:36; Topsham: 11:38; Exminster: 11:46; Kenton: 11:54; Kenton, Powderham Castle Entrance Sprint: 11:56; Starcross: 11:58; Mamhead – King of the Mountain: 12:04; Chudleigh – Sprint: 12:24; Bovey Tracey: 12:31; Haytor – King of the Mountain: 12:34; Widecombe: 12:48; Tavistock: 13:31; Lydford: 13:48; Sourton: 14:02; Okehampton: 14:12; Sampford Courtney: 14:30; Bow: 14:43; Copplestone: 14:50; Crediton Queen Elizabeth's Academy – Sprint: 14:57; Newton St Cyres: 15:08; Stoke Hill – King of the Mountain: 15:19; Exeter, High Street – Finish: 15:26.

Grant means Exeter museum's rare drawings can now go on show

September 10, 2014, 3:33 am

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A CONSERVATION grant of £20,000 will allow Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) to feature its 19th-century East India Company botanical drawings in an exhibition in 2016. The set of 86 drawings was donated in 1927 from the collection of the Devon botanist, Reverend Richard Cresswell, who died in 1882. They are extremely rare and have high historical and scientific importance. As far as is known, RAMM is the only non-national UK collection to hold original drawings from this group, the others being at Kew, the British Museum and the Natural History Museum. The importance of the drawings came to light during RAMM's 2012/3 Arts Council England funded collections review when Martyn Rix, a leading specialist in botanical art, was commissioned to survey its 400 botanical drawings. The botanical drawings were commissioned from Indian artists, by the East India Company, probably under the supervision of the Calcutta Botanic Garden. In the late 18th and early 19th century the Company set out to record the complete flora of India for the advancement of botanical science and for commercial exploitation – primarily food crops and medicines. RAMM's drawings relate to several printed publications of the era of William Roxburgh and Sir Joseph Banks.

Exeter's vulnerable and elderly could be left without hot dinners

September 10, 2014, 3:35 am

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CUTS to care services could leave Exeter's vulnerable and elderly without hot dinners after a leading meals-on-wheels service provider announced it was to pull out of the county. And Age UK Exeter has expressed its concern about the affect on vulnerable people. Exeter-based Apetito will stop providing the service on Friday, September 12, and staff have been made redundant. It said the decision to withdraw its services has been made after cuts to funding from Devon County Council meant it was no longer viable. Currently it provides daily hot meals to hundreds of elderly residents across the county, but will end the service at the end of this week. Martyn Rogers, director of Age UK Exeter, said: "Around 400 of the most vulnerable older people in Devon will be affected by this change as only those who cannot manage to reheat a frozen meal receive the hot meals service. "However, we are particularly concerned about those people who are buying their hot meals privately and may not know what to do when the service ceases. "In response to Apetito's withdrawal from the county, Devon social services is committed to support the two-thirds of people who have a contracted hot meal. "Ironically though, this is likely to cost the council more than the original subsidy as a worker will now have to be sent to those affected to reheat frozen meals for them." He added: "The big problem is that social services will be unaware of those people who currently rely on a hot meal being delivered but are buying it privately, often because they don't meet the council's financial criteria. "It's those people who may be left with nothing and who should contact us on 01392 202092 if they're worried." The council said cuts in central government funding, reduced user numbers and rising costs meant it could no longer afford to fund the service. Apetito chief executive Paul Freeston said: "We have served the community in Devon for eight years and have worked hard to maintain our provision despite the cuts through a private hot meal initiative. "However, due to reduced numbers and increased operational costs, it is with deep regret that we have had to acknowledge that this service is no longer financially viable." He added: "It is our absolute priority to give our employees the utmost support and consideration over this period and we are working hard to support the staff that will be affected." One Apetito staff member, who asked not to be named, said: "This has caused a lot of upset. We deal with people face-to-face as delivery drivers and can check they are okay. We see them everyday, and sometimes it's their only contact with anyone. "A lot of elderly people are upset and a lot haven't understood what is happening. I don't know what will happen to them – this is hitting the most vulnerable people." A Devon County Council spokesman said: "In light of Apetito's business decision to stop providing hot meals in Devon, we are contacting people who use the service to see whether they need help in finding alternative providers for their hot meals."