Home Blog Page 54

Young Devon band crowned winners at Battle of the Bands 2026 final

Devon County Council
-
0
Young Devon band crowned winners at Battle of the Bands 2026 final

Devon Music Education Hub, which is led by Devon County Council, is celebrating the outstanding talent showcased at the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands 2026 Final, held at the Exeter Phoenix.

The event brought together some of the most exciting young bands from across the Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, with a packed audience cheering on eight exceptional finalist groups.

After an evening of electrifying performances, Pariah from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton were crowned overall winners, impressing the judges with their musicianship, stage presence, and originality. Nevik from Teignmouth Community School and Fluorescent State from Torquay Academy were close runners up.

The final also showcased remarkable performances from Cliffhanger (The Ilfracombe Academy), At Least Three (West Exe School), eXception (Plympton Academy), Mentality (Braunton Academy), and Locked In (Hele’s School). Audiences were also treated to a high-energy set from The Revival, the Hub’s house band and official 2025 finalists, while the judges deliberated.

Speaking after the event, Lewis Gibbs, Head/Hub Lead for Devon Music Education Hub, said: “What we witnessed tonight was nothing short of extraordinary. The level of talent, creativity, and confidence displayed by these young musicians is a testament to the power of music education and the dedication of schools, teachers, and families across Devon. Battle of the Bands is about celebrating young people finding their voice, forming communities, and expressing themselves on stage. Every act should be incredibly proud, and we are thrilled to support their musical journeys.”

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It was amazing to be at the final of the Battle of the Bands, it was a fantastic celebration of talent from across Devon.

“Every band that took part should be immensely proud of what they achieved, and my congratulations go to all the finalists for their creativity, confidence and commitment.

“Events like this show just how powerful music can be in helping young people grow, express themselves and shine.”

This year’s judging panel – Jo Loosemore (BBC Devon), Neil Phillips (Young Sounds UK), Paul Giblin (Phonic FM), and Debbie Kent (Devon Music Education Hub) – praised the exceptional standard and diversity of the acts.

Judge, Paul Giblin, said: “What a great evening that was! An incredible array of young bands playing their hearts out and a feat of organisation getting them on and off stage so smoothly. Brilliant work by Devon Music Education Hub and a real challenge for the judges to choose the winners from such diverse talent. I was blown away and loved working hard with the other judges to score each act and ensure they got instant performance feedback.”

Devon Music Education Hub extends its thanks to:

  • All finalist bands for their hard work, professionalism, and inspiring performances
  • Exeter Phoenix for hosting and supporting the event
  • The Hub team, whose planning and production ensured the finalists enjoyed a true professional stage experience
  • Families, schools, and audiences who continue to champion music and creativity for young people across the county

The Battle of the Bands continues the Hub’s commitment to nurturing young musicians, providing high-quality performance opportunities, and celebrating the role of contemporary music-making in young people’s lives. All of the finalists will receive ongoing mentoring from the Hub, with specially curated opportunities, such as performing at local festivals, record and releasing their own music, and gaining industry insights.

Court reporting scheme extended to boost access to justice stories

Office of Police and Crime Commissioner
-
0
Court reporting scheme extended to boost access to justice stories

Members of the public are getting increased access to the details of criminal court cases in Devon thanks to an innovative project funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.  

A three-month pilot project operating since the start of the year has provided a dedicated news reporter to cover magistrates’ court proceedings in the region – and the scheme has now been extended for a further nine months.  

The scheme, which has been delivered by Newsquest Media Group following a bidding process, has so far reported on more than 100 cases at Exeter Magistrates’ Court which may otherwise have gone unreported due to a reduction in the number of reporters attending court.   

Cases covered in the first three months have included offences such as drug dealing, theft, possession of weapons, harassment, sexual assault, criminal damage, voyeurism, and drink and drug driving.  

These stories have generated more than 100,000 page views on Newsquest websites alone.   

The Criminal Justice Court Reporting Scheme was devised in conjunction with the Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), a partnership which is chaired by the Commissioner and brings together various criminal justice organisations with the aim of improving the experiences of victims and witnesses and reducing reoffending rates.  

News articles generated by the Criminal Justice Court Reporter are made available free-of-charge to any certified media organisation that wishes to publish them, with the BBC, ITV, Reach Plc, Global Radio and Bauer Media among those to have signed up to the scheme.  

Newsquest reporter Isabelle Pinnock has been carrying out the role for the three-month pilot period and will continue in the position until the end of November 2026.  

The pilot project is focused on proceedings in Exeter Crown Court, as well as a selection of magistrates’ courts across Devon. 

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Seeing justice served in our communities is vital for public confidence in both the police and the criminal justice system.  

“Sadly, there are fewer news reporters covering court proceedings than there have been in previous decades, meaning many cases go completely unreported. Not only is this frustrating for the victims and communities involved, it also seriously reduces opportunities for the public to understand the criminal justice system.  

“I am particularly pleased that this scheme focuses on magistrates’ courts. While many higher-profile crown court cases are widely publicised, magistrates’ proceedings often go under the radar – yet this is where so many areas of community concern are dealt with.  

“Whether it’s violence, drug use, shoplifting, drink driving or nuisance behaviour, it’s vital we lift the lid on these incidents and are transparent about how they are dealt with.”  

Diarmuid MacDonagh, Newsquest Regional Editor for Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, said: “Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done. The partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and Newsquest ensures that this important tenet of the criminal justice system is fulfilled.  

“We are delighted to be taking part in this ground-breaking scheme. It has been enthusiastically received by our readership who feel reassured to see the work of criminal justice in action in their communities.” 

The Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme will run until the end of November 2026. For more information visit Local Criminal Justice Court Reporting Scheme – Your voice in policing  

Any media outlets who wish to sign up to the scheme can do so by emailing Diarmuid MacDonagh on diarmuid.macdonagh@dorsetecho.co.uk   

Man remanded in custody after Crediton car fire incident

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Man remanded in custody after Crediton car fire incident

A 30-year-old man has been charged with arson after fire crews were called to reports of a car on fire in Crediton.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue attended the incident in the Spruce Park area of the town at around 5.45pm on Tuesday, March 17.

Three fire engines were deployed, and firefighters found two cars on fire upon arrival.

The blaze was extinguished but one of the cars was completely destroyed and the other was seriously damaged.

Guy Webb, of St Marys Hill, Brixham, appeared in Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 20.

No plea was given, as arson is an indictable-only offence, meaning the matter must be handled in the crown court.

The man was remanded in custody until April 23 where he will appear at Exeter Crown Court to give a plea.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Man ordered to pay compensation after smashing ex partner’s door

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Man ordered to pay compensation after smashing ex partner’s door

A 43-year-old man was ordered to pay compensation after smashing through the door of his ex-partner’s home.

Gareth Mcleod, of Topsham Road, Exeter, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and using violence to secure entry at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

On February 11 last year, Mcleod attended Lancelot Road in Exeter, where the mother of his two children was living. He was drunk and verbally abusive, the court heard.

When his ex-partner said to him: “Do you honestly think I do nothing?” he replied, “Don’t talk to me like that you cheeky bitch.”

The court heard he tried to get into the address, and upon realising the door was locked, punched the window and the door.

He smashed through the door, knocking it completely off its frame. When Mcleod gained entry, he realised a family member was on the phone to police and promptly left.

The court heard his children were present in the front room at the time of the offences.

He caused a total of £999.55 worth of damage to the window, door and lock.

Mcleod’s defence lawyer said that the complainant and defendant have made up since the incident, but at the time were having difficulties in their relationship. They are now separated and co-parent their two young children with no issues.

The defence added that the door was already damaged and the complainant had already reported this to the council, but nothing was done to fix it.

The bench ordered Mcleod to pay 75 per cent of the damage, contributing about £750.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Exmouth man sentenced after harassment campaign against woman

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Exmouth man sentenced after harassment campaign against woman

A 34-year-old man has been given a community order for harassing a Budleigh Salterton woman after the breakdown of their “short-lived” relationship.

Kym Lovegrove, of Normandy Close, Exmouth, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence between May 14 and June 13 last year, when he appeared at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the two parties met at a mutual friend’s party and began chatting on a dating site. The prosecution said they began seeing each other but after a few weeks the victim “had second thoughts”, and informed him she wanted space.

The prosecution said Lovegrove repeatedly accused her of cheating and often called her a “slag” for having slept with more people than him. He made threats of violence, calling her racial slurs and a “bitch”. On one occasion he sent a message that said: “I’m going to rape you.”

The court heard he tried to reach her by contacting her mother, and Ring doorbell footage captured him attending the victim’s address on two separate occasions, though the two didn’t interact.

The victim said at one time she was receiving WhatsApp messages “every 30 seconds”, adding that she felt scared for her safety as well as that o her mother.

Michaela Rose, mitigating, said: “These two were in a very short-lived relationship, if you can even call it that.”

Miss Rose added that he is “extremely remorseful” and acknowledges that he behaved inappropriately during mental health episodes and substance abuse.

The court heard that when Lovegrove attended the victim’s address, it was to deliver an “apology present.”

District Judge Smith said: “You indicated in your report that you have no memory of these offences due to blackouts and your mental health. I don’t believe that you fully don’t remember. I feel you were using this as a defensive shield.”

Lovegrove was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days as well as an alcohol treatment requirement for three months.

An 18-month restraining order was also imposed, preventing Lovegrove from contacting the victim or attending any property she may be staying at.

He will also be subject to an electronically monitored curfew for four months, and will have to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £85.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Student accused of filming women in Exeter homes faces court

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Student accused of filming women in Exeter homes faces court

A 23-year-old Exeter student has been accused of secretly filming young women in university residential areas.

Benjamin Fu, of Hook Hill Lane, Woking, gave no plea to five counts of voyeurism and twice trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence.

Fu appeared at Exeter Crown Court via video link from HMP Exeter. Due to ongoing investigations, no plea was indicated and the case was adjourned to May 29.

The prosecution allege that he had been recording women in their homes, as well as entering bedrooms and going through possessions and underwear drawers.

The offences are said to have taken place between October 1, 2025, and February 3, 2026, at popular student areas including Springfield Road, Pennsylvania Road, Victoria Street and Hoopern Street.

Fu came to police attention in October last year but at that stage there was insufficient evidence and he was placed on conditional bail.

He was later rearrested, charged and remanded to Exeter Magistrates’ Court where he appeared on February 16 for a first hearing. He has remained in custody since then.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Woman denies coercive control and assault charges in Exeter court

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Woman denies coercive control and assault charges in Exeter court

A 59-year-old woman has been charged with controlling coercive behaviour and assault by beating, Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard.

Tina Jafrate, of The Square, Dolton, pleaded not guilty to the two charges from between January 1 2019 and February 28 2025.

The court heard that the defendant and complainant were in a relationship for 13 years. It is alleged that she isolated him from his family, used violence, repeatedly accused him of cheating, and maintained financial control of him.

District Judge Smith deemed the case as not suitable for trial at Magistrates’ Court, and sent it to Exeter Crown Court for trial on April10.

Jafrate was released on conditional bail not to contact the complainant unless it is through a solicitor, and not to enter two specified addresses.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Exeter man denies charges over XL Bully dogs incident in Exwick

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Exeter man denies charges over XL Bully dogs incident in Exwick

A 52-year-old Exeter man has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to an incident with his two XL Bully dogs.

The allegation is that he was the owner of two dogs which were dangerously out of control, with no injury caused, in Exwick on August 23 last year.

Gulam Choudhury, of St Andrews Road, Exeter, is also charged with intentional disorderly behaviour from an incident with police officers from September 1 last year.

It is alleged that one of Choudhury’s dogs attacked another dog, which the defendant denies.

Two trials will be held at Exeter Magistrates’ Court for the two separate charges, on July 3 and 10.

Choudhury was granted unconditional bail for both the alleged offences.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme

Man fined after crashing into bus while attempting overtake

Isabelle Pinnock
-
0
Man fined after crashing into bus while attempting overtake

A 48-year-old man has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention after he hit a stationary bus.

The incident took place on July 9 last year at Backwell, North Somerset

Dylon Saini, of Rollsbridge Farm, Exeter, was driving a Volvo on the A370 just before 1pm, when he crashed into a stationary bus. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard the vehicle had pulled into a bus stop for about ten seconds, with passengers leaving and boarding the bus.

Werjinder Baines, prosecuting, said no effort was made to slow down or stop. Saini told police he had been attempting to overtake the bus, but an oncoming vehicle left him with no time to carry out the manoeuvre.

Saini previously denied the offence but pleaded guilty when he appeared in court.

The defendant, representing himself, said: “On that day it was really hot. The air conditioning didn’t work. I think I had a blackout because I can’t remember anything else.”

District Judge Stuart Smith challenged whether his statement to the police had been a lie: “Why did you tell the police that a car was coming the other direction? Was that a lie?”

In response, Saini said he felt “scared” at the time.

The court heard that at the time of the offence the defendant had been driving for work. Saini said he had recently been made redundant and had enrolled in college.

Sentencing, Judge Smith, said: “It looks like quite a horrific impact from that footage… It appears to me that there was some kind of distraction. You have indicated to me that you were unconscious at the wheel. I don’t know the reality of that, but you certainly didn’t observe the bus.”

Saini was fined £150 and faces a 12-month driving ban, as well as six penalty points on his licence. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £60 and court costs of £85.

  • This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Barnstaple set for new pub as former Wetherspoons reopens after revamp

Lewis Clarke
-
0
Barnstaple set for new pub as former Wetherspoons reopens after revamp

A former Barnstaple pub is preparing to pour its first pints again after a major makeover, with karaoke booths, live sport and cocktails all planned when the venue reopens under a new name.

Amber Taverns is set to open The Strand Social in April at the former Wetherspoons site on The Strand.

The company said the pub has undergone a complete transformation as part of its investment plans. Inside, the venue has been redecorated and fitted with new toilets, new furniture and multiple large television screens for sport.

Outside, the pub will have a new signage scheme and a pavement licence.

Leading the team will be Steve Tinsley, an experienced pub operator with more than 25 years in the industry. Steve is relocating from Stafford in the Midlands, where he currently runs another Amber Taverns venue, to take charge of The Strand Social.

The pub will offer private hire karaoke booths, a full Sky and TNT Sports package, pool tables and dart boards.

Amber Taverns said the drinks range will include cocktails, gin flights and spritz deals for summer.

Mark Brooke, chief executive of Amber Taverns, said: “We’re all really excited about the opening of The Strand Social in Barnstaple.

“The team are working hard on the refurbishment, ready to open next month.

“At Amber, we’re all about offering people a fantastic environment to enjoy a great drink, served by a friendly team, which we’re sure people will get when they visit The Strand Social.”

Amber Taverns operates more than 185 venues across the UK. The company said its sites offer entertainment, a wide drinks range, and Sky and TNT Sports packages.

The group said it is also seeking to expand its portfolio and is offering a £15,000 finder’s fee to anyone who helps identify its next venue. It said it is looking for high street locations, former pubs, retail spaces, banks or restaurants with outdoor space or an area that can be converted.

The Strand Social is due to open to the public on Monday, April 20.

1...535455...96Page 54 of 96