Three jailed for kidnap and vicious beating in North Devon car park

Three men have been sentenced to a total of 11 years in jail at Exeter Crown Court for their part in kidnapping and beating a man in Holsworthy last year.

Connor Stevens, aged 24, of Stanhope Close, Holsworthy, was convicted of Section 18 GBH, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon and was given six-and-a-half years.

Kai Abbott, aged 26, of Morwenna Park Road, Bideford, was convicted of affray and sentenced to 15 months in custody.

Ryan Hawke, aged 33 and of Castle Douglas, Scotland, was convicted of kidnap and received three-and-a-half years.

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All three were sentenced on Thursday, October 2.

The court heard how in June 2024, Hawke, who was known to the victim, had arranged to give the victim a lift to pick up a vehicle from his ex-partner’s house.

Hawke picked him up at Launceston Cemetery and made several errands before stopping the car at Dunsland car park, between Holsworthy and Black Torrington, at around 9pm.

The victim remained in the passenger seat while Hawke exited the vehicle and took the keys, telling the victim he wasn’t going anywhere.

The car was then approached by two masked men who told the victim to exit the car where one of the men, later identified as Stevens, struck the victim several times with a claw hammer.

Hawke then left the scene while both Stevens and Abbot continued attack the victim in a sustained assault.

After Stevens and Abbot left the scene, the victim hid in some nearby woods, but soon collapsed, only to be found the next day by a member of the public. Emergency services were called and the first responding police officer administered first aid.

The victim was taken to North Devon District Hospital where he was treated for his injuries. A CT scan revealed fractures to his head and legs with bruising over his body.

All three men were located and arrested shortly after the incident.

Police carried out extensive data analysis of their phones which revealed that all three offenders had been in the area at the time of the attack and they were subsequently charged.

DC Sam Jones said: “The violence used in this pre-planned attack has no place on the streets of North Devon.

“The sentences imposed by the judge are intended to deter future offending by criminals within the community and reinforce the commitment to justice and community safety.”

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To report a crime or if you have information about crime, use the online reporting tool on the Devon & Cornwall Police website at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.

Crime can also be reported completely anonymously. Visit the Crimestoppers website or call 0800 555 111 to report a crime with complete anonymity.