A man has been jailed for attacking a complete stranger making his way home after a night out and stealing his belongings.
David Gibbs subjected the victim to a brutal and unprovoked attack on the Tarka Trial, between Barnstaple and Chivenor on 30 September 2023.
Gibbs, 58, of no fixed abode, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday 3 June 2026 after pleading guilty to robbery
Gibbs was sentenced to 56 months in prison.
Gibbs’ co-defendant, 39-year-old Francis Geary was previously sentenced to 30 months in prison in relation to the incident.
The court heard how the victim had been on a night out in Barnstaple but found himself stranded at a petrol station having got out of a taxi.
As the taxi left the victim started to walk towards Braunton along the A361.
Along the way he met Gibbs and Geary and the three struck up a conversation.
Whilst walking together, suddenly and without warning the victim received multiple punches and kicks to the head causing him to fall to the ground.
During this attack and whilst the victim was on the floor, Gibbs and Geary stole property belonging to the victim, including a mobile phone, wallet, tobacco and cigarettes before leaving the injured victim.
The victim was able to flag down a passing vehicle having been left with a nasty cut above the eye that required hospital treatment. Police were informed.
Enquiries identified Gibbs and Geary who were soon arrested.
Detective Constable James Punter said: “This was a cowardly and brutal attack on an entirely innocent victim as he attempted to get home after a night out.
“David Gibbs did not know the victim but launched a flurry of punches and kicks before stealing his belongings.
“Gibbs and his co-defendant were soon identified and arrested.
“Such violence has no place in our community, and we will continue to arrest and bring to justice anybody who thinks it is acceptable to behave in such a way.”
