On the 28th February, at around 10:25pm, at Westpoint in Exeter, a man got into what is thought to be a taxi, described as a black medium-sized people carrier with a sliding door, and ended up falling out of the vehicle and sustained serious head injuries. The driver refused to take him and the vehicle sped off at speed with the victim still inside with the side door still open. The injured victim is a 49 year old man from Draycott near Cheddar, Somerset and was one of a group of friends who had been at the National Darts Championships at the venue prior to the incident. Despite the severity of the incident, the victim has made dramatic improvements. Police are still trying to trace the vehicle which was involved in the accident, and are asking for any witnesses to come forward. Due to the description of the car, the Police believe that the make of car could be a Mercedes Vito. If you were at the venue and saw this situation occur, please call police on 101 reference log number 839 or 280213. In 2011, statistics show that 11% of accidents caused in Devon were due to Unlawful action and 44% due to Driver or Rider error. The percentages may seem low, but unfortunately, not low enough.
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Police seeking witnesses for taxi incident at Westpoint
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Free legal drop in clinics extended across South Devon
Free drop in clinics to discuss the importance of wills and trusts have proved such a success they are being rolled out across South Devon by a Plympton-based law firm.
David
Richardson of Richardsons Legal Services started offering the free clinics when
he saw what he believed to be a worrying number of people neglecting their
personal affairs.
He said:
"There's a misconception that wills and Home Protection Trusts are only for the
wealthy and people are often embarrassed by the thought of "going to all that trouble" for what they deem to be
relatively small assets. Others have had a will made many years ago and believe
that this is sufficient. Not making the necessary provision can lead to both emotional and financial costs for those concerned."
Wills, he explained, can quickly become outdated with a change in
circumstances, are often incorrectly witnessed and a surprisingly large number
of families every year find that it simply cannot be found when needed.
Equally, lasting powers of attorney, which would give a loved one the
ability to manage your affairs should you be unable to do so, are often
considered unnecessary or too awkward a subject to broach with older relatives.
What many people do not realise however is that English Law does not recognise
next of kin in these circumstances.
Richardson says that by offering the free drop in clinics, which he
started in Ivybridge, he is able to give people the right guidance and advice.
He said: "Several years of a depressed economic climate has left people
extremely concerned with protecting themselves and their assets. The response
to today's clinic has been extraordinary, and we are really pleased to have
been able to help so many people."
With an alarming 20,000 people losing their homes each year to pay for long term care, Richardson is also able to advice on the value of trusts. "Home Protection Trusts can help protect against this and other unexpected eventualities if done correctly and in a timely fashion," he said.
Further clinics will be held in Plymouth, Kingsbridge and Torquay and they are set to take place monthly.
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Tiverton man charged with four counts of raping a child
A Tiverton man has been arrested and charged with raping a girl under the age of 13 and making indecent photographs and movies of children.
Karl Hole, 43, of Lowman Green, Tiverton, faces four counts of rape, which occurred between January 1 2008 and October 31, 2012.
He is also charged with two counts of intentionally touching a girl, and the touching was sexual, between January 1 2008 and December 31 2010.
Between 2008 and 2012, he is also accused of making six A4 prints of indecent images of children; making 546 indecent images and movies of children; making 20 indecent images of children; making four indecent movies of children; and making indecent movies which were foundon various DVDs.
He appeared before Exeter magistrates and was sent to Exeter Crown Court for a trial. he was remanded in custody until April 2.
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Exeter court orders destruction of stereo in noise row
A 28-year-old woman has been told that her stereo and speakers will be destroyed after she breached an order issued to prevent "noise nuisance" from her flat.
Natalie Edworthy, 28, of Longbrook Terrace, Exeter, failed to comply with the requirements of an abatement notice on November 9 last year, that had been issued by Exeter City Council, when she failed to reduce the volue of amplified noise coming from her flat.
She changed her plea and admitted this offence as well as pleading guilty to a similar offence on November 28 last year.
She received a 12-month conditional discharge, will have to pay a victim surcharge of £15, and her Sony mini hi-fi system will be destroyed. There was no order for costs.
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Picture of the day: Haytor on Dartmoor, taken by Mike Boddy of Bovey Tracey
Why not post your own pictures of Exeter and the surrounding area on This is Exeter? You just need to register with the site and follow the links.
To upload your own picture simply register to the site by clicking register in the top right hand corner of the homepage.
Once registered you can upload your pictures by clicking on the 'upload pictures' button under Get Involved.
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'The Big Freeze' to last for another month in Exeter
The big freeze gripping Exeter and Devon, along with the rest of the UK, could last until the end of April, forecasters have predicted.
Exeter could stay cold and things are unlikely to return to normal for this time of year until the latter part of next month, the Exeter based Met Office revealed in 30-day forecast.
Easter weekend looks like one to stay inside for with sub-zero temperatures set to bring misery to thousands of people for the rest of the week and throughout the weekend as the dangerous wintry weather shows no immediate signs of abating.
More than 3,000 people in Argyll in Scotland and the Isle of Arran were without power after ice and snow damaged pylons, damaging the electricity network.
Farmers have been left counting the cost of the blizzard conditions, with many having to rescue stranded livestock at the height of the lambing season.
The severe weather has also been blamed for the deaths of a number of birds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, which have washed up on Britain's beaches.
The RSPB Scotland said it had received reports in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Northumberland.
The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert for much of England, with a 100% probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions until Friday.
Its outlook for Sunday to April 9 predicts cold, dry weather, with a few light snow flurries and widespread frost and icy patches overnight.
And the Met Office predicts temperatures are unlikely to recover to nearer normal values until the latter part of April.
Gemma Plumb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said that while there was no forecast for more big snow falls, it would remain very cold for the rest of the week, with temperatures as low as minus 6C (21.2F) overnight and ranging from 4C to 8C (39F to 46.4F) in the day time.
"By the time we get to April some places could be 4C or 5C below the average for the month. The South East is likely to see temperatures of 6C to 8C (43F 46.4F), but the average for April is 12C or 13C (53.6F to 55.4F)," she said.
"There will be some sunny spells around at times, and a few light snow flurries around at times, especially in the east.
"High pressure will start to build across the UK, so there will be fewer snow flurries and more in the way of dry weather over Easter weekend, but it will remain very cold.
"Sunny spells might begin to thaw the snow, but winds from the East could cause more drifts. There are no real signs of warmer weather moving in at this time."
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Fundraiser Evening for CLIC Sargent
At the beginning of September, 19 year old Journalism student Briana Millett will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Bournemouth University's Raise and Give society, in an attempt to raise a personal total of £2790 for the children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent. In order to kick start her fundraising, Briana has organised a charity evening at the Dana Pani curry house in Exeter (near The Odeon), with the hope of securing the first £1000 of her goal total.
Although Briana did not choose the charity personally, she is thrilled to be working with what she calls "a fantastic charity that do amazing work". CLIC Sargent was founded in 2005 after a successful merger between CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children and provides counselling, 'homes from homes' near hospitals, holiday breaks, one-to-one nurses, grants and other forms of support for cancer sufferers and their families from the moment of diagnosis for as long as it's needed. Briana is fundraising with around 30 other people from her university and overall they hope to raise just over £80,000 to help CLIC Sargent continue their invaluable work.
The evening will involve a curry buffet, as well as a raffle and lots of other fun and games to raise as much money as possible. As well as this, Briana is hoping the evening will raise awareness of the local business who have been kind enough to help her organise the evening. Tickets cost £16.50, with £10 from each going directly into Briana's fund. The restaurant holds around 80 to 100 people and the fundraisers are hoping for a full house on the night. Tickets are available from kilicurrynight.eventbrite.co.uk
Although Briana did not choose the charity personally, she is thrilled to be working with what she calls "a fantastic charity that do amazing work". CLIC Sargent was founded in 2005 after a successful merger between CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children and provides counselling, 'homes from homes' near hospitals, holiday breaks, one-to-one nurses, grants and other forms of support for cancer sufferers and their families from the moment of diagnosis for as long as it's needed. Briana is fundraising with around 30 other people from her university and overall they hope to raise just over £80,000 to help CLIC Sargent continue their invaluable work.
The evening will involve a curry buffet, as well as a raffle and lots of other fun and games to raise as much money as possible. As well as this, Briana is hoping the evening will raise awareness of the local business who have been kind enough to help her organise the evening. Tickets cost £16.50, with £10 from each going directly into Briana's fund. The restaurant holds around 80 to 100 people and the fundraisers are hoping for a full house on the night. Tickets are available from kilicurrynight.eventbrite.co.uk
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Dog walkers fury at closure of Heavitree Park paths
PARK users and dog walkers are furious that three of the four main paths through Heavitree Pleasure Ground have been ripped up at the same time by workmen.
The paths are being relaid as pedestrian/cycle paths but rather than finish one section before starting another all the old paths have been taken out at the same time at the park's western end.
One elderly dog walker, who did not want to be named, said: "I tried to get in by the Hamlin Lane entrance but that was closed so I went to the Roseland Crescent entrance but that was fenced off too.
"I managed to slip through a gap but found all the paths, to the left, right and straight ahead had been ripped up. It was very muddy and I don't know how mothers with children and buggies going to St Michael's school could manage.
"But I can see why they chopped down the chestnut trees – because that's where the new path is going."
Tyna Crow, correct city councillor for the ward, has had many complaints from residents and described ripping up the paths at the same time as "crackers".
Cllr Crow said: "I have had complaints about this, particularly from mums trying to get their children up to the pre-school as they normally take what is a pleasant short cut through the park.
"The work also seems to be taking longer than anticipated.
"It seems crackers to me that they didn't finish one section before ripping up another."
A Devon County Council spokesman said: "The scheme is due to be completed by the end of March but may run slightly over if poor weather conditions continue. However, there would be no extra cost to Devon County Council or Exeter City Council. "Unfortunately, the Roseland Crescent end has had to be fenced off because some people were breaking through the barriers which was presenting a health and safety risk with the heavy machinery working on site."
The spokesman added that the chestnut trees had been monitored for several years and were felled because of disease. Seven oaks have been planted in their stead and a further five trees have been planted around the pleasure ground.
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The 10,000-to-one family - Tiverton daughter, mother and grandmother born on March 24th
LITTLE Olivia Woodgate certainly has a birthday to remember – it is the same as her mother and her grandmother.
Olivia was born on Sunday March 24, weighing in at a healthy 8lb 13oz, a wonderful birthday present for her mum, Natasha, 21 and her 51-year-old grandmother, Nicky Woodgate.
The amazing coincidence has defied the odds – even bookmakers would hesitate to offer it up as a 10,000-to-one chance.
Olivia's proud dad Floyd Spiller, 24, said: "It is absolutely amazing that all three should have the same birthday.
"The baby was due on March 19, but when she was late we were just hoping it would arrive on Natasha's birthday.
"We reckoned it would be a boy if it arrived on the 19th but once that day passed we guessed it would be a girl.
"I was going to nip down to Ladbrokes and put some money on it being the third girl in a row to be born on that date – but I didn't get round to it.
"It's a shame because the odds must have been pretty high and we would be rich!
"It doesn't matter though because Natasha and the baby are really fit and well and came home after just a day in hospital."
Natasha and Floyd, who live at Orchid Close, Tiverton, had gone to Tiverton Hospital at 9am on Sunday and Olivia arrived at 11.05am.
"It all went very well," said Floyd, an electrician, who had taken the day off to look after his partner and new baby.
"We have the baby's room all ready to go – and it is just right for a little girl.
"At least we'll never forget her birthday – although it could end quite expensive for me with three presents to buy." A spokesman for Ladbrokes described the latest family birth on March 24 as "absolutely remarkable".
He said: "If somebody had placed a bet when the grandmother was born that her daughter and granddaughter would be born on the same date, the odds would have been at least 10,000-to-one.
"Of course once Olivia was on the way and missed the 19th, the odds would have fallen dramatically, and I would guess that Floyd might have got odds of six-to-one or thereabout for the little girl being born on the 24th.
"We are just pleased that everyone is fit and well."
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Animal carcasses found in black bin liner on East Devon footpath
Bin bags full of animal parts have been discovered on an East Devon footpath.
A walker stumbled upon the bodies of two dead animals, dumped in black bin liners, on Beech Walk on the outskirts of Honiton last week.
The bags were thought to have been dumped on the path a couple of days before and contained two deer carcasses, one of which was skinned.
The path is popular with dog walkers and children and residents have expressed their shock at the discovery.
East Devon District Council removed the bag within hours of it being discovered.
A representative of the council said:
"A StreetScene operative responded to a report from the public and took away a sack containing the remains of two butchered deer, which had probably been poached from somewhere nearby.
"The Council will prosecute anyone found fly-tipping in the countryside.
The maximum penalty is £50,000 fine or even prison, upon conviction."
Fly-tipping has been described as a problem in the area.
Any incidents of fly-tipping should be reported to EDDC's Respond, Enforce and Clean Team (REACT) on 01395 517528.
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Exmouth boat death: 'We want answers'
FRIENDS of Exmouth fisherman Geoff Ingram who died when his boat sank last year have criticised the time it is taking to investigate the tragedy.
Mr Ingram (pictured), a father of two, went down with his trawler the Sarah Jayne in September.
The boat flipped as the 51-year-old was making a mayday call-out which saved the lives of his two fellow crewmen, who were subsequently rescued.
But more than six months on, the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch has still not completed its investigation.
Fellow fisherman Dave Kerley, who was responsible for organising the incredible recovery of Mr Ingram's body from the seabed by his friends, has accused the branch as taking too long to investigate the death.
He is particularly concerned that the authority has failed to identify why the two life rafts did not activate.
He said had Mr Ingram not gone back into the wheelroom and made the mayday call when the life rafts failed to activate, the two other crewmen were unlikely to have been rescued.
Mr Ingram, a former award-winning Exmouth RNLI crewman of 18 years, was renowned for his views on health and safety.
At the time Mr Ingram's friends expressed their frustration at the "lack of action" by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch, which launched an investigation following the sinking of the vessel nine days before his body was recovered.
Mr Kerley, 46, who owns the Fish Shed at Darts Farm, said: "Everyone wants to know what happened. Geoff was so health and safety conscious.
"The main concern is why the life rafts didn't go off, especially as the boat had just been serviced.
The nine-strong team of Mr Ingram's friends and fellow fishermen went out to the wreck just over a week after the incident after the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch lifted the cordon from around the wreck site.
The branch has refused to comment on why it did not send divers down to the wreck to retrieve Mr Ingram's body.
Maritime Accident Investigation Branch confirmed the investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 11, off the coast of Brixham, is still on going but has refused to comment further.
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Devon tourism businesses among record South West contingent at Visit England awards
Devon businesses are among 18 finalists from the South West in this year's national Visit England awards.
Industry leaders have hailed the record-breaking achievement as further evidence of the region's appeal to visitors.
A total of 67 finalists have been announced for the Visit England awards. The competition is linked with the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, which held its regional ceremony at the Eden Project in February. Many of the winners had also been successful in the Devon Tourism Awards.
Since January, the regional contenders have been pitted against businesses from across the country, with the best selected to represent the South West at the Visit England awards in Manchester on May 20, where they are guaranteed to receive a gold, silver, bronze or highly commended award.
Devon boasts five finalists, including Oakdown Country Holiday Park, near Sidmouth, and The Salty Monk in Sidford.
The Arundell Arms Hotel at Lifton is a finalist in the Business Tourism category, while Calvert Trust Exmoor is shortlisted in the Access for All category and Gidleigh Park at Chagford amongst the Small Hotels.
Chairman of the South West judging panel Alistair Handyside said: "Eighteen finalists in the Visit England National Tourism Awards is a brilliant result for the South West, and will help maintain our position as the country's number one holiday destination."
Robin Barker, of the regional awards organisers Services for Tourism, said: "The South West awards scheme goes from strength to strength, and there's no doubt that the local and regional winners have taken every chance to hone their entry and product as they have gone through the awards phases.
"One of our annual ambitions is to showcase the quality that this region offers, and with so many of our winners going on to national success we will achieve just that. We will have to wait until May 20 to find out what they've won, but they are all worthy ambassadors for the region."
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Video: Exeter City 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle - Run-up to the Devon Derby
As part of of Express and Echo's run-up to Saturday's Devon derby we have embedded video highlights of Exeter's 1-0 win over Plymouth in 2011.
Keep checking thisisexeter.co.uk daily for build up to the game including previews and highlights of past games as well as competitions.
Read the 2011 match report as oringally printed in the Express and Echo below the video.Video: Exeter City 1-0 Plymouth Argyle (FULL HIGHLIGHTS)
Express and Echo do not own the rights to this video and did not upload the video to Youtube.2011 match report:
"PAUL Tisdale praised the fans for helping to roar Exeter City to their first Devon derby victory over Plymouth Argyle at St James's Park since 1992.
James Dunne was the hero after lashing home a 46th-minute winner in front of 7,869 fans.
And Tisdale thanked the supporters for getting fully behind his side at the weekend, even when Plymouth piled on the pressure in the closing stages.
"It was a really good partnership," said the City boss. "The players showed nerve and desire and the supporters delivered perfect support.
"The atmosphere was building before the game and you could sense walking into the ground just how important this game was to our fans.
"It meant a lot to the supporters and they were suitably encouraging and suitably pleased with the result.
"They stuck with us throughout and continued to make a lot of noise when Plymouth had a go at the end.
"I have been so pleased with the way they have supported us this year and I would urge them not to stop there.
"We can do better again next year and they can help us in trying to achieve that."
The Grecians climbed to eighth place in npower League One, having racked up a fifth win in their last six games.
They are now level on points with Leyton Orient – but boast an inferior goal difference – heading into Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday.
Tisdale insists Saturday's performance contained some of the best football he has seen his side play since arriving at St James's Park in 2006. The City boss said: "I think we showed a bit of everything today.
"We made a strong start in a frantic first 10 minutes and then we produced some of the best football I have seen us play under pressure for the next 45, 50 minutes.
"Then for the last period we showed guts, spirit and determination to keep a clean sheet and hold on for the win.
"At 1-0 you cannot afford to be relaxed and feel calm and they were entitled to have a big ending. But we held firm and I was delighted with that."
Tisdale saluted the performance of Premier League referee Mark Halsey, who kept a firm lid on proceedings and didn't have to dish out any yellow cards in a well-natured contest.
And the City boss admits to having a touch of sympathy for the plight of Plymouth after Saturday's defeat plunged them deeper into relegation danger.
"I have a lot of respect for Peter (Reid) and under the circumstances his team have done extremely well," said Tisdale.
"You don't want to see any club go to the wall and good luck to them in the future.
"Football trends change very quickly and about 10 years ago the roles of the two clubs were reversed. There will always be different cycles in clubs, and at the moment they are going through hard times.
"I thought the referee did an excellent job, particularly in the first half when he played on for five seconds after a foul and then brought play back.
"It was a nicely judged performance from him and he was helped by two sets of players who weren't nasty towards each other, but just wanted to win the match."
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Mark Molesley will not be distracted by jeers in Exeter v Plymouth game
FORMER Plymouth Argyle player Mark Molesley says he will not be intimated by any boo-boys inside Home Park when he returns to the ground with his Exeter City teammates this weekend.
The Grecians face one of the most eagerly-anticipated Devon derbies in recent years when they take on Plymouth on Saturday (1pm).
Both sides are desperate for a victory to help their causes at either end of the League Two table, but the match has a little bit of extra spice added to it by the fact that Molesley spent six weeks at Argyle earlier this term.
He became a fans' favourite at Plymouth for his combative and energetic midfield play. And while Molesley says he is grateful to Plymouth for taking him on loan, he is unsure what kind of reception he will get on his return.
"I don't think the Plymouth fans will be too happy with where I have signed, given the rivalry," said Molesley.
"I'm a professional footballer and I can't let any of that affect me. I just have got to concentrate on trying to get the three points for Exeter, because they are my employers and they are the ones I'm going to be fighting for."
Molesley has had a taste of the Devon derby already when he lined up for Plymouth in their 1-1 draw at St James's Park in December. The former Bournemouth midfielder put in an impressive display and he added that derby matches are always games he looks forward to.
"They are games you definitely want to say you have played in and they are definitely ones you want to say you have had the bragging rights in as well so there is everything to play for it," he said.
"It is going to be almost like a cup tie. I think form and where you are in the league goes out of the window in a game like this. It is a local derby, it is going to be blood and thunder and a great atmosphere and we have got to be right on our game, because I know Plymouth will be well up for it.
"I think this is the biggest derby I have played into be honest. I have had some big games at Bournemouth – the Southampton game when I was at Bournemouth was obviously a big one – but this one is another big derby and one I will be pleased to say that I have played in."
Molesley, who joined City at the end of January, has also impressed in his time at St James's Park. He was originally signed as a replacement for right-sided midfielder Liam Sercombe, who fractured his ankle in the 2-2 draw with Barnet in late December.
However, in recent weeks Molesley has been playing in central midfield to cover for the injured Matt Oakley and Tommy Doherty.
It is another position he has excelled in, picking up the man-of-the-match award in the 0-0 draw with league leaders Gillingham and then helping City thrash Bradford City 4-1.
"I have really enjoyed being in the centre," he said. "I am happy to do a job wherever the team needs me. But in the centre of park I quite like it. You are quite involved in the game throughout. You are right in the centre of the action, so I have enjoyed my time in there I must admit."
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'Mothers being punished' says Bishop of Exeter
The Bishop of Exeter has said mothers who choose to stay at home to care for their children are being unfairly penalised by a Government.
The Bishop of Exeter said that traditional families were being hit by the Coalition in a manner that was "actually unfair" and which risked costing society more in the future.
The Rt Rev Michael Langrish, who sits in the House of Lords, said that his views represented those of a number of bishops who are concerned by the Government's apparent lack of support for family life.
Over the past few months, ministers have removed child benefit from wealthier families with one breadwinner and restricted financial help with child care to those mothers returning to work, yet repeatedly delayed a promise to bring in tax breaks for married couples.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Rt Rev Langrish said society needs to place a greater value on the role of stay-at-home mothers and fathers, who were part of "the glue which enables us to be a healthy society".
He said the impact was being felt in "middle England" adding: "The concern for me is for those who have made a principled decision to stay at home and taken the financial hit. It is actually unfair and against the Government's own rhetoric."
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Video: Three vehicle collision causes delays on A38 at Haldon Hill
A three vehicle collision caused delays on the A38 on Haldon Hill Northbound in Kennford this morning.
Police and paramedics were called to the bottom of the hill at Haldon at 7:50am after reports of a multi-vehicle crash on the East-bound carriageway.
A red Peugeot 306, a red Citroen C4 and a black Hyundai had collided in what police described as a shunt.
No serous injuries have been reported.
Motorists have been warned to avoid the area as there are heavy delays.
One driver stuck in traffic reports:
"Traffic is basically crawling along towards Haldon Hill. There is no sign of it clearing yet."Video:
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VIDEO: "Reformed" TV documentary burglar is jailed after raiding homes of Exeter pensioners
A serial burglar who boasted on a Channel 4 television show about being a reformed character has been jailed for six years for raiding the homes of two sleeping pensioners.
Derek Bray was watched by millions of viewers on the Channel Four series Thief Catchers as he told how a special police unit had helped him turn his back on a lifetime of crime and drugs.
He moved to Exeter from Bristol to start a new life but soon drifted back into his old ways and has now been jailed for a crime spree in which he raided four homes in the space of a few weeks.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
Bray even went burgling on the night before he was due in court for an earlier break-in, Exeter Crown Court was told.
His victims included a 90-year-old widow and an 85-year-old widower, both living on their own, whose homes in Exeter were broken into as they slept.
Bray, 37, of Blackall Road, Exeter, admitted two burglaries, two thefts, taking a car without consent, handling, and asked for three other offences to be considered.
He was jailed for six years by Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, who was told that Bray has 35 previous convictions dating back to his teens.
He told him: "You burgled the home of a lady of 90 who lived alone while she was at home asleep at night. That is a serious aggravating feature.
"You were bailed and on the night before you were due in court you committed a further dwelling house burglary. You have an appalling previous record for burglaries."
Terry Holder, prosecuting, said Bray broke into the home of a 90-year-old woman in Higher Kings Road, Exeter, in January and that of an 85-year-old man in Rosebank Crescent, Exeter in March.
He stole a laptop and purse in the first raid and was caught on CCTV as he tried to use a stolen card at a cashpoint.
He took another computer, cash and cards at the second raid as well as the keys of the owner's Honda Jazz car which he used to drive to the nearest ATM where he withdrew £200.
He later admitted another two raids, in which he broke into unsecured homes and took a hip flask and other property after wandering the streets seeking out targets.
A stolen laptop, car keys, and other loot were found by police in a secret hiding place under the cooker at his home.
Emily Pitts, defending, said Bray had come clean about all his offending and helped police clear up the earlier burglaries.
She said: "He has been using drugs since he was 13 and been on heroin since he was 16. His mother is also an addict. He grew up in Bristol but recognised the need to move away from there and his mother's influence and try to better himself."
Bray was one of a number of criminals whose work with the Bristol Prolific Offenders Unit was features on the Channel 4 Dispatches programme in 2010.
In the programme he spoke about how the unit were helping him overcome his history of serial burglary and start a new life away from bad influences in the city.
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Enter today or miss out in 2013 Express & Echo Business Awards
TODAY is deadline day for companies wanting to be in with a chance of success in the 2013 Express & Echo Business Awards.
There is still time for employers and entrepreneurs to showcase their recent achievements - but only if they move fast.
The awards are open to all businesses in Exeter and the Heart of Devon and entries can be submitted online – at www.exeterbusinessawards.co.uk – until midnight on Thursday, March 28.
Entering is easy. Simply choose one or more of the following 12 categories:
Corporate Social Responsibility;
Employer of the Year;
Best Creative Business;
ExIST Innovation Award;
Business of the Year;
Small Business of the Year;
Excellence in Customer Service;
Family Business of the Year;
Environmental Award;
Entrepreneur of the Year;
Young Entrepreneur of the Year;
Best Tourism/Hospitality Business.
Then tell us all about your achievements by filling in the relevant entry questionnaire at www.exeterbusinessawards.co.uk
The shortlist will be announced on Friday, April 5, and the competition will culminate in a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the University of Exeter on Friday, April 26.
Sponsors of the 2013 Express & Echo Business Awards, run in partnership with Eclipse Internet, include ATASS Respect, Exeter College, Business Solutions, David Wilson Homes, Fidelius Insurance Services, First Great Western, Ivor Doble, Kitsons Solicitors and Pavey Group.
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Watch out for summer bikers warns Devon County Council
DEVON County Council has warned drivers to watch out for motorcyclists, with more bikers on the roads as the days get lighter.
The council is urging motorists to watch out for bikes as part of a national campaign.
It encourages drivers to take longer to look for bikers, and advises that drivers check their mirrors more often.
Figures from 2011 show that despite bikers only making up one per cent of Devon's traffic, they account for around a quarter of all road users killed on the county's roads.
Sixty bikers were killed or seriously injured in 2011, with April seeing the most collisions.
Three quarters of the incidents involved another vehicle, and more than half were at junctions.
Mike Newcombe, the council's safer travel officer, said: "We have to remind all road users to take extra care and look out for bikers."
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Baby murder case delayed; Exeter's James Hunt now facing trial in September
The trial of man accused of murdering a baby has been delayed.
James Hunt, aged 27, was due to be tried at Exeter Crown Court next month for the alleged murder of 10-month-old Kimberley Barrett at Ottery St Mary in December 2011.
The case has been taken out of the list because expert medical evidence is still being obtained and is not likely to be heard before September.
Hunt, of Pellinore Road, Exeter, was remanded in custody. He pleaded not guilty to murder at an earlier hearing.
Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, Recorder of the City of Exeter, adjourned the case, which is to be tried in front of a High Court judge.
He extended custody time limits to allow Hunt to remain on remand until the date of his trial.
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