A MAN is alleged to have spat in a woman's face during an assault in Plymouth.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the altercation, which happened on Thursday, November 26 at about 1.05pmat the junction of New George Street and market Avenue near KFC.
A man is said to have grabbed a woman around the neck and shoulder. Words were apparently exchanged before the man is thought to have spat at the woman.
If you can help police contact 101 quoting crime reference CR/081659/15 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org
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Man 'spat in woman's face' during alleged assault outside Plymouth KFC
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Jury told Plymouth 'charmless chav' murder accused was 'long on threats, short on action'
A MAN accused of murder has been described by his own barrister as "foul mouthed", "monosyllabic and charmless", but who was also "long on threats, short on action".
Simon Laws QC for the Crown Prosecution Service and Martin Meeke, QC for Donald Pemberton – accused of the murder of Tanis Bhandari and injuring four others – began summing up their respective cases at Plymouth Crown Court today
Mr Laws said the 27-year-old builder died a "completely unnecessary death" while four other men – Sean Cordon, Jamie Healy, George Walker and Matthew Daw – all suffered "completely unnecessary injuries of various levels of seriousness."
He told the jury: "It comes to this – if two people commit a crime together then they are both guilty of it, if they are both taking part and both want it to happen."
He gave an example of two people deciding to rob a bank.
"They go out with guns to do it. One man will be the look out and never goes into the bank.
"The look out can hardly say 'I didn't take anything, I can't be guilty'", said Mr Laws. "No, it's a joint plan. Two men have done it together."
Mr Laws suggested that if one of the men went in and the other got the door slammed in his face, both were still taking part in the joint plan and were "liable for one another's actions".
He said Pemberton drew an axe and "went for the group" on the green at Tamerton Foliot in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The green in Tamerton Foliot on New Year's Day
Mr Laws said there were five key questions the jury had to consider and suggested the evidence presented in court answered those questions.
They were "what did Pemberton know about Ryan Williams by the time they got to the green", "did Pemberton know that Ryan Williams had a knife by the time he got to the green", "were the two of them a team that night", "who started the fight on the green" and "what can the medical evidence tell you in this case?"
He said Pemberton knew Williams "would fight with him", and knew he was "an aggressive young man" with a criminal record.
Mr Laws said it was "inconceivable" Pemberton did not know Williams had a knife.
Pemberton and Williams had posted photos of themselves holding weapons during their Facebook argument with Dale Hewitt and Dale's mother.
He described them as operating as a team as they intimidated and threatened people on the way through Tamerton Foliot to the green, working "hand in glove".
He said: "Two men drunk, carried away with the power their weapons brought them.
"This was never one man against a group, it was two.
"Williams stabbed the man who took him [Pemberton] on. Tanis Bhandari was involved in keeping him [Pemberton] on the ground. It was an act of great courage on his behalf and he paid for it with his life.
"He was stabbed because Ryan Williams was coming to the assistance of Donald Pemberton and for no other reason."
Ryan Williams - who has pleaded guilty to murder, three counts of wounding with intent and one of actual bodily harm
He said it was Pemberton's actions which began the fight, pulling out the axe, having already engaged in threats to stab someone in the liver on Facebook, intimidate others en-route through the village.
He noted how the medical evidence showed there were two weapons at play on New Year's Day, with injuries sustained pointing towards the large kitchen knife held by Williams and a smaller, narrower knife which he suggested was in Pemberton's possession.
Mr Laws reminded the jury of witness Darren Cotter who remarked "I don't think he [Pemberton] wanted a cigarette, I think he was looking for trouble'"
Mr Laws also noted an account from one witness who said they saw a man – Pemberton – on the ground being attacked by at least three others.
He said: "If ever there was a man on New Year's Eve in Plymouth who deserved what he was getting it was Donald Pemberton. He was, on his own account, still reaching for his axe and they were doing just whatever they could to stop him."
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Donald Pemberton's final Facebook profile image posted on New Year's Eve
Martin Meeke QC told the jury there was "a great deal, you may think, not to like about Donald Pemberton", collecting "by the age of 20 a number of previous convictions" including an unprovoked attack, carrying a machete and causing an affray.
He said the CCTV footage they had seen showed him threatening people with meat cleavers, but it also showed him "our hero in the dock, running away… Long on threats, short on action".
He said Pemberton had been in prison, "takes illegal drugs, scrounges cigarettes, keeps bad company, he is foul mouthed – just look at his Facebook exchanges – is almost monosyllabic and charmless and on that night he was on his way to meet Kane Swabey with an axe. If I've missed anything let me know.
"What am I doing running down my own client? We have no illusions of what you will make about Donald Pemberton and that others see him as you do with all his many faults."
However, Mr Meeke went on to urge the jury to put aside their "distaste" for Pemberton and their "sympathy" for Tanis Bhandari and examine the evidence "analytically and dispassionately".
Mr Meeke reminded the jury that Williams pleaded guilty to all counts, adding: "He had to. He was the man who had a knife, or knives."
Ryan Williams and Donald Pemberton posted selfie images on Facebook posing with knives on New Year's Eve
He asked the jury to consider "what opportunity did he [Pemberton] have to stab Sean Cordon who had told the court he remembered being on the ground, holding onto a man, facing the man's back and both unable to punch each other.
He said if Pemberton had reached round to stab Mr Cordon "it would've been a feat of some proportions".
Mr Meeke reminded the jury of a statement by a paramedic who drove George Walker and his girlfriend Billy-Jay Edmonds to the hospital.
The medic told police she heard Miss Edmonds say the man, later identified as Williams, as using a "bread knife" and described it as having "serrated edges".
He also noted paramedic Neil Jago's statement who took Jamie Healy and Sean Cordon to Derriford Hospital. En-route he heard them talk about the event, leaving the pub, walking across the green and "these males ask the girls for cigarettes which they said they didn't have any, so they asked Sean Cordon and Jamie Healy. I didn't hear anything which explained why they had been attacked."
He said there was "no evidence of a plan" between the two men adding: "That is nothing more than supposition on behalf of the prosecution."
He reminded the jury that Pemberton had no convictions for injuring anyone with weapons.
He also noted how the images posted on Facebook were "to make himself look big, to be the hard man, to impress Dale Hewitt".
He noted the "likes" the foul comments between Mr Hewitt, his mother and Pemberton received.
Just two of the many Facebook exchanges on New Year's Eve
He said: "You may think it is a pretty sad world when people communicate in those terms or approve of others doing so and there's no doubt that Pemberton was offering Dale Hewitt a fight."
Mr Meeke told the jury Pemberton came up with an explanation as to what started the attack on the green.
He said the young man had asked for the cigarette and within the group on the green, "someone else came through asking 'what did he say?'
"What was this charmless chav doing in his part of the village?
"He [Pemberton] got a punch for it. That's why he pulled the axe out."
The Kings Arms in Tamerton Foliot where Tanis Bhandari and his friends had seen in New Year's Eve
Mr Meeke noted how Sean Cordon's girlfriend Dina Moore turned after hearing a "silence" from the group and witnessed Pemberton pulling out the axe and lunging.
Mr Meeke held up his arm, as if holding the axe and said no-one witnessed Pemberton make any chop or slashing motions.
He asked: "What might you say if I held an axe out like this? 'Stay back'? 'Back off?'"
He noted how Miss Moore had said it was "a bit strange" these babyfaced boys would take on a large group of men, some over 6ft tall.
He added: "It's not just a bit strange – it makes no sense at all. On the way to the green they had a number of targets who would've been much easier to take on."
He said witness David Dewar "didn't seem surprised that there was a fight occurring" and that he saw Tanis Bhandari "punch and kick someone on the floor", George Walker "punch and kick someone on the floor and a third man he didn't recognise punch someone on the floor."
Images taken by police of Donald Pemberton following the incident on New Year's Day
Mr Meeke told the jury Williams saw Pemberton taking a beating. Williams did not attack in self-defence, but "stabbed people wholesale".
He said what Williams did was "so far over the top as to be criminal, which is acknowledged by his pleas."
The trial continues.
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Tanis murder trial: Accused is 'long on threats, short on action'
A MAN accused of murder has been described by his own barrister as "foul mouthed", "monosyllabic and charmless", but who was also "long on threats, short on action".
Simon Laws QC for the Crown Prosecution Service and Martin Meeke, QC for Donald Pemberton – accused of the murder of Tanis Bhandari and injuring four others – began summing up their respective cases today at Plymouth Crown Court.
Mr Laws said the 27-year-old builder died a "completely unnecessary death" while four other men – Sean Cordon, Jamie Healy, George Walker and Mattew Daw – all suffered "completely unnecessary injuries of various levels of seriousness."
He said Pemberton drew an axe and "went for the group" on the green at Tamerton Foliot in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Mr Laws said there were five key questions the jury had to consider and suggested the evidence presented in court answered those questions.
They were "what did Pemberton know about Ryan Williams by the time they got to the green", "did Pemberton know that Ryan Williams had a knife by the time he got to the green", "were the two of them a team that night", "who started the fight on the green" and "what can the medical evidence tell you in this case?"
Mr Laws also noted an account from one witness who said they saw a man – Pemberton – on the ground being attacked by at least three others.
He said: "If ever there was a man on New Year's Eve in Plymouth who deserved what he was getting it was Donald Pemberton. He was, on his own account, still reaching for his axe and they were doing just whatever they could to stop him."
Mr Meeke told the jury there was "a great deal, you may think, not to like about Donald Pemberton", collecting "by the age of 20 a number of previous convictions" including an unprovoked attack, carrying a machete and causing an affray.
He said the CCTV footage they had seen showed him threatening people with meat cleavers, but it also showed him "our hero in the dock, running away… Long on threats, short on action".
He said Pemberton had been in prison, "takes illegal drugs, scrounges cigarettes, keeps bad company, he is foul mouthed – just look at his Facebook exchanges – almost monosyllabic and charmless and on that night he was on his way to meet Kane Swabey with an axe. If I've missed anything let me know.
"What am I doing running down my own client? We have no illusions of what you will make about Donald Pemberton and that others see him as you do with all his many faults."
However, Mr Meeke went on to urge the jury to put aside their "distaste" for Pemberton and their "sympathy" for Tanis Bhandari and examine the evidence "analytically and dispassionately".
The trial continues.
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Dartmoor hunt trial collapses after link between witness and league is revealed
THE only prosecution of an organised hunt has collapsed after the judge questioned links between a key witness and the lobby which brought the case.
Six members of the Lamerton Hunt in Devon were accused of illegally hunting and killing a fox on Dartmoor in a private prosecution by the League Against Cruel Sports.
Bristol University professor Stephen Harris - one of the world's leading experts on foxes - gave evidence for the prosecution on the second day two of the ten-day trial.
But a day later district judge Kevin Gray questioned Professor Harris' alleged friendship with the League's West Somerset-based head of operations, Paul Tillsley.
He also sought confirmation on an allegation the League's acting chief executive Rachel Newman had advised Prof Harris not to mention this relationship in court.
The anti-hunt lobby withdrew its evidence and the case collapsed on Thursday.
The Countryside Alliance has accused Prof Harris of "embellishing" his evidence and the Lamerton Hunt slammed the League for mounting the prosecution in the first place.
David Lewis, huntsman of the Lamerton Hunt, said: "We were confident from the start that we had done nothing wrong and that all our hunting was legal, but our names and the allegations that LACS were making were all over the local papers.
"The whole thing seemed to go on forever and whilst we are happy it is now all over it was not a pleasant experience."
Six members of the Lamerton Hunt were accused of breaking the 2004 Hunting Act near Lydford, Devon, on March 26 this year.
The accused were one of the hunt's masters, George Moyse, huntsman David Lewis, whipper-in Steve Craddock and three terriermen - Gilmore Lewis, Stephen Mitchell and Wayne Bartlett.
The League said it tried to take its evidence to Devon and Cornwall Police, but was "ignored" and pursued a private prosecution.
They claimed members had filmed an incident where the hunt encouraged the hounds to find and follow a fox, which led them to an earth containing at least two fox cubs.
The hearing at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court - said to have cost around £100,000 - heard evidence from Professor Stephen Harris.
But after giving his evidence he was questioned about whether the League's acting chief executive Rachel Newman had advised him not to tell the court of his friendship with Mr Tillsley.
Last month, the League also commissioned and published a report by Prof Harris into the differences between hunting law in England and Scotland.
The group withdrew the case on Thursday.
Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner said: "Professor Harris had also been accused of embellishing his experience of hunting whilst giving evidence.
"Rather than answer these very serious questions LACS has now withdrawn all charges.
"This appalling case raises a series of fundamental questions about the abuse of the criminal justice system by vindictive private prosecutors.
"LACS spent more than a £100,000 of charitable funds on a case that the police had correctly judged simply did not stand up.
"In desperation it has then sought to present as independent an expert witness who was clearly deeply prejudiced against the defendants.
"LACS sought to corrupt the criminal justice system and use it to harass six innocent people over an 18-month period.
"Questions need to be asked about this abuse at the highest levels."
But the League maintained the riders were hunting illegally and accused the defence team of "haranguing and hounding" the expert.
A spokesman for the League Against Cruel Sports added: "We still strongly believe that the Lamerton Hunt were hunting illegally, and strongly encourage people to look at the video footage and decide for themselves what they are seeing.
"We're also saddened by the way Professor Harris had his character assassinated by the defence lawyer.
"He was cross-examined, harangued and hounded for two and a half hours, all in an ultimately successful attempt to make it look as though he was in some way connected inappropriately with the League, which we vigorously deny.
"Professor Harris is an internationally respected fox expert so to see him pursued and savaged in court was shameful, but unfortunately this is typical of the way fox hunts are defended in a desperate attempt to deflect away from the real details of the case.
"We stand by our decision to take this private prosecution.
"We cannot let hunts get away with what we still believe is a bang to rights case of illegal hunting.
"We wanted the judicial process to make a decision on this case, and we want the world to know that the League Against Cruel Sports will not stand by and let hunts flout the law.
"We may have had to withdraw, but anyone with common sense can see what this hunt were doing."
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Two men wanted by police in connection with 'nasty assault' outside Plymouth pub
TWO men are wanted in connection with a "nasty assault" in a Plymouth pub.
Police say a 32-year-old male was assaulted in the toilets of the Melbourne Inn, Stonehouse, on Sunday, November 29.
An appeal for witnesses to help identify two men wanted in connection with the assault has been issued.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "[The man] was assaulted in the toilets of the pub by two other males. On going outside the pub he was attacked again by the same two males.
"It's known from CCTV footage there were people around at the time stood by the pub. It's also believed the two suspects went back into the pub after attacking the man in the street.
"It was a very nasty assault. The man was punched and kicked while on the floor and he suffered cuts and bruises. People did go to his aid.
"We would be very grateful if anybody that saw anything could come forward, anonymously if they want to."
If you can help police contact 101 quoting crime reference CR/081659/15 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org
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Man in hospital and woman arrested after stabbing in Plymouth
A MAN was stabbed near Laira Bridge during a 'domestic' incident yesterday afternoon.
A 31-year-old woman has been arrested following the assault, which left the man with a 'serious stab wound'.
The woman is in custody at Charles Cross Police Station, while the man is being treated in hospital.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the stabbing, which happened in and around Laira Bridge Road at about 5.30pm on Thursday.
They would like to hear from anyone who saw an incident between a man wearing a white hoodie and a woman in a dark-coloured jacket.
The officer in case, Detective Constable Riley from Charles Cross Police Station said: "This is a domestic-related incident where a male remains in hospital with a serious stab wound.
"This was a busy time of day with significant amount commuters leaving the city centre."
If you can help contact police on 101 quoting crime reference CR/83388/15 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org.
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Tanis jury told may consider manslaughter if they cannot find accused guilty of murder
THE judge in the trial of a man accused of murdering Tanis Bhandari has begun to sum up the case to the jury, offering them an alternative verdict of manslaughter if they could not agree upon the charge facing Donald Pemberton.
Mr Justice Nigel Teare reminded the jury of the cases put forward by both the prosecution and defence barristers, as well as the evidence presented to them by witnesses during the course of the trial.
Mr Justice Teare said the prosecution case was that both Ryan Williams – who pleaded guilty to all charges earlier in the trial – and Donald Pemberton committed the offences together.
The 21-year-old from Victoria Road, St Budeaux is jointly charged with the murder of Mr Bhandari, wounding with intent Sean Cordon, Jamie Healy and George Walker, and causing actual bodily harm to Matthew Daw.
Mr Justice Teare said the prosecution claimed Pemberton pulled out the axe and lunged at the group on the green at Tamerton Foliot on New Year's Day, thereby beginning the attack, which along with Williams aimed to cause really serious harm.
The judge told the jury that Pemberton's legal team argued that the 21-year-old was unaware that Williams had a knife and that he only pulled it out to ward off others after he had been punched. They further claimed Pemberton did not wound anyone or participate in the wounding of others.
Mr Justice Teare said if the jury believed Pemberton had told the truth about not knowing Williams had a knife, that he was punched and responded by pulling out the axe to protect himself from further attack, and that he did not did not unlawfully wound anyone or take part in any plane "then you will find him not guilty of the offences with which he is charged."
Mr Justice Teare clarified the verdict options available to the jury ahead of their deliberations.
He stated that they must answer key questions on their route to a verdict.
He said: "Are you sure that the defendant Donald Pemberton shared with Ryan Williams an intention to cause members of the group on the green really serious harm?
"Are you sure that the defendant... took some part in the events on the green to achieve that aim?
"If the answer to both question is yes, then you will find the defendant guilty on all counts.
"If the answer to either question is no, then you will find the defendant not guilty on all counts save for count three [wounding Sean Cordon with intent] in respect of which the following questions arise:
"Are you sure [firstly] that the defendant wounded Sean Cordon with a knife such as SCB3 [the serrated steak knife] and [secondly] that when doing so he intended to cause him really serious bodily harm.
"If the answer to each question is yes, then you will find him guilty on count three; otherwise not guilty."
Mr Justice Teare then put forward alternative verdicts the jury could reach.
He stated: "If Donald Pemberton and Ryan Williams were in it together but their intention was only to cause some harm, rather then really serious harm, or if Donald Pemberton stabbed Sean Corden but his intention was only to cause some harm, rather than really serious bodily harm, then the following would be the appropriate alternative verdicts.
"Count one: not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
"Counts two to four: not guilty of wounding with intent but guilty of simple wounding.
"Count five [actual bodily harm]: guilty."
The trial continues.
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Jail term cut for two who beat Plymouth man for sleeping with one of their wives
A former Royal Marine and a doorman who set a trap to attack a Plymouth man who was sleeping with one of their wives have had their jail terms cut from three to two years.
Lee Craven came back from security work overseas to find the mother of his three children, Zara Craven, had moved in fellow ex-marine, Kenneth Churchill, from Plymouth.
Craven, 35, of The Warren, Woodbury, asked doorman Steven John Walters, 38, to help him teach Mr Churchill a lesson.
The pair lured Mr Churchill off the A38 - where he thought he was going to confront Craven.
Instead he found teh two men intent on disfiguring him.
Walters, of Bradham Court, Exmouth, and Craven subjected Mr Churchill to a savage 'joint beating' on July 12 last year.
The ex-marine started punching his rival but Mr Churchill managed to throw him to the ground.
But Walters then weighed in, attacking him from behind and getting him in a choke hold, said the judge.
After the victim briefly escaped, Walters got him back in the hold and Craven kicked him in the head several times.
Mr Churchill felt he was 'losing consciousness' and heard Walters say 'that's what you get for f***ing his wife'.
The attack only stopped when a female passerby intervened, added the judge.
Craven and Walters were both found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and jailed for three years at Exeter Crown Court in May.
Their lawyers argued their punishments were far too tough and pleaded with senior judges to reduce the sentences.
Mr Justice Warby said Craven had no previous convictions and Walters also had none 'of a grave nature'.
The injury to Mr Churchill was 'not that serious' and both men had received 'hugely impressive references', he added.
"Three years' imprisonment was manifestly excessive," said the judge, who was sitting with Lady Justice Sharp and Judge Jeremy Carey.
Both attackers' sentences were reduced to two years.
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Man wanted by police following theft of wallet from inside Plymouth's Home Park stadium
A MAN is wanted by police following the theft of a member of staff's wallet from inside Home Park.
The burglary took place on Monday, November 16, at abound 10.30am.
Police say a wallet was stolen from inside the stadium which belonged to ground staff and the bank cards were then used to purchase items.
If you have any information call police on 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number CR/079353/15.
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Police standoff with possibly armed man on roof of Plymouth property resolved
EMERGENCY services from across Plymouth were held to a standoff on Thursday night as a possibly armed man refused to come down from a property roof.
Police negotiators, local officers, firefighters and paramedics were called to a property on Holyrood Place, Plymouth Hoe, around 1am after reports a man was carrying a knife while sat on the roof.
Although concerned for the 44-year-old's welfare, negotiators were withdrawn from the scene by 3am after it was concluded the man was no longer a threat.
Local officers stayed at the scene until the morning, though the man fled the scene before returning unharmed in the afternoon.
A police spokesperson said: "We were called to an address on Holyrood Place at around 00.50 following reports of a disturbance.
"On arrival police had concerns for the welfare of a 44-year-old resident who was also believed to be carrying a knife and was sitting on the roof of a property.
"Police attended and negotiators spoke with the man. Fire also in attendance.
"Our negotiators then left around 3am after it became apparent the man, while still on the roof, was no longer a danger to himself or to others.
"Local officers stayed with the man who then left the roof and fled the area early in the morning. The man later turned up unharmed in the afternoon."
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Pensioner jailed for starting fire at her home in Plymouth
A PENSIONER has been jailed for two years for starting a fire in her marital home.
Jennifer Bullen, aged 67, took a lighter to a quilt in a bedroom after a row with her husband, a court heard.
She later told police that she had been "attention seeking".
Peter Bullen smelt smoke and started up the stairs to look for his wife, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
But she had already left the end-of-terrace home in Barne Barton.
Mr Bullen, who is terminally ill, needed treatment for smoke inhalation.
The bedroom was severely damaged by fire and the rest of the house severely smoke-logged, the court heard.
Jailing her for two years, Judge Jeremy Griggs said: "I have no doubt that this was, in some ways, a cry for help. Arson is an offence which causes the public particular anxiety."
He said neighbours, particularly an eight-year-old girl, had been left unable to sleep in the nights after the fire.
Bullen pleaded guilty to arson reckless as to whether life was endangered in Berthon Road, Barne Barton, on September 18.
Deni Mathews, for the Crown Prosecution Services, said the couple had been married for 44 years.
He added that Bullen, appearing drunk, had called the police that night asking to be arrested but no officers were sent to the house.
Mr Mathews added that the couple had a row and Mr Bullen was downstairs when he smelt smoke upstairs.
He said he tried to go upstairs with a neighbour to find Bullen but they noticed she was already outside.
Mr Mathews said firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and it did not spread to three neighbouring terraced homes.
The court heard that Bullen was of good character until a recent spate of offending.
A psychiatrist has told the court in a report that she does not have a treatable mental health condition.
But Bullen's barrister Michael Green said: "She is unable to give any logical rational reason for what she did."
He added that she had repeatedly called the emergency services in the weeks up to the fire.
Mr Green said that her husband was terminally ill and the length of any prison sentence "weighed heavily" upon her.
He added: "The other issue is alcohol and it played a role, of that there is no doubt."
Mr Green said she had done a course since going to prison in September to tackle her drinking.
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Thieves target Plymouth charity leaving £2,000 trail of destruction
Thieves have targeted a Plymouth charity shop, making off with £500 cash and leaving a trail of destruction which will cost £2,000 to fix.
The St Luke's Hospice Plymouth charity shop at Sugar Mill, Plymstock which specialises in furniture was targeted between Saturday evening and the early hours of Sunday morning.
Thieves removed a safe containing £500 and caused nearly £2,000 worth of damages.
Offemders accessed the premises by throwing a large rock through the rear window.
Retail Area Manager, John Saunders said: "Any form of burglary is devastating for the victim, but to target a charity is the ultimate low.
"This charity shop has a considerable amount of signage on the outside of building, so it is very obvious we are a charity and what our cause is.
"Whilst there has been no stock taken, the destruction and mess they have left behind was considerable.
"Our 31 charity shops contribute over £800,000 into patient care each year. The £500 which was taken is the equivalent to half the total cost of caring for one of our patients at home."
St Luke's is keen to inform customers that The Sugar Mill charity shop is still open for business, 7 days a week.
If you have any information that may be able to assist Devon & Cornwall Police with their inquiries, please call 101 quoting crime number: CR83945/15
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Lights out for man who stole disco illuminations in Plymouth
A HEROIN addict who stole disco illuminations is facing lights out after being sent to prison.
Nathan Hosking, aged 32, burgled a home and took items including disco lights, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
He stands convicted of his third burglary of a home and faced an automatic three-year prison term.
Jailing him for two years and five months with discount for guilty plea, Judge Jeremy Griggs said: "The court has no discretion but to pass a custodial sentence."
The court heard the defendant took the disco lights, a television set and some food from a flat in North Hill.
Court papers had previously said he had taken a disco ball, rather than lights.
Hosking, of Valletort Place, Stoneouse, admitted burgling the home in Queen Anne Terrace on November 3.
He has also pleaded guilty to handling speakers taken from another flat in the same street earlier the same night.
Hosking finally asked for two similar offences to be taken into consideration.
Will Willden, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said two homes were burgled within three hours.
He added that Hosking took a television set, some food and disco lights worth £70.
Mr Willden said police found some of the food in Hosking's fridge and other stolen goods in his home.
He added that officers spoke to a taxi driver who recalled a fare from the terrace loading a television into his boot.
Ali Rafati, for Hosking, said he had a long record of crime and offences of dishonesty to fund a chronic addiction.
He added that he had received treatment last year but had fallen back into using street drugs when he had missed an appointment to pick up his methadone, prescribed as a heroin substitute.
Mr Rafati said he was taken into hospital with a heart complaint and lost his room at a hostel.
He added: "He committed the offence when he had nowhere to go and no methadone."
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Claims of attempted kidnapping outside Plymouth school are false, say police
REPORTS of an attempted kidnapping outside a Plymouth school are false, say police.
Three girls claimed they were approached by two men in a white van while walking along Seymour Road, by Hele's School, last Monday.
Following a comprehensive investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police, officers have since concluded the incident did not happen and have dropped the case.
A police spokesperson said: "Police have conducted a comprehensive enquiry in to this matter and concluded that the incident did not occur.
"We would like to reassure the pupils and parents of Hele's School and the wider community of Plympton that incidents of this nature are extremely rare.
"We would like to thank members of the public that came forward and provided information.
"Although this incident was not as reported, we would ask parents and students to remain vigilant for suspicious behaviour."
Justine Mason, principal at Hele's, was keen to reassure both pupils and parents that there is no reason to be fearful.
Speaking to The Herald, she said: "I'd like to stress that the safety and welfare of our students and our staff is, and always has been, our very highest priority.
"Hele's School has robust safeguarding procedures in place and an exemplary record in keeping members of our school community safe. It is important to note that our school safeguarding procedures have never once been brought into question as part of this investigation.
"We cooperated at every stage of this police investigation in spite of this being an out-of-school incident, and acted on police advice in the best interests of our community without compromising the investigation.
"I have no doubt that parents will continue to be highly supportive of Hele's School and to have absolute faith in our ability and our commitment to keep their children safe and happy."
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Animals tortured, mutilated and killed at Devon special needs school
DEVON police are appealing for help catching people who tortured, killed and stole small animals from a school for vulnerable children.
Staff at the Ellen Tinkham School for children with special needs in Exeter discovered four chickens - beloved by pupils and used for animal therapy - mutilated and thrown over the boundary wall yesterday morning.
Some of the fatal injuries sustained by the chickens were gruesome; with one appearing to have been torn in half by its legs and another found hanging by its head from a tree. Many had been plucked and had their limbs torn off. Fortunately staff prevented any of the pupils from witnessing the disturbing scene.
The grim discovery came a day after two rabbits and six guinea pigs, beloved by the children at the school and used for animal therapy, were stolen from their hutches at some point between Saturday evening and Monday morning.
A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating separate reports of animal theft and animals being killed at the Ellen Tinkham School at Hollow Lane, Pinhoe.
"This is a particularly upsetting crime as this is a school for youngsters with special needs and these animals play a major part in their educational needs. The thefts of six guinea pigs and two rabbits took place over the weekend and the deaths of four chickens happened overnight on Monday, December 7, into Tuesday, December 8."
Tom Bates, Rural Skills project leader; who heads up a team of five other members of staff who arrange activities with the animals for pupils, believes there is little hope for the safety of the rabbits and guinea pigs after this yesterdays' grim discovery.
He branded the incident as "disgusting".
He said: "Anyone being on a property uninvited is never a nice thing, but this was awful, senseless and threatening behaviour. I struggle to understand the mind-set behind this. These animals are important for pupils' development and they get a lot out of them."
Staff initially thought foxes were responsible for both incidents. However, on closer inspection the cages housing the rabbits and guinea pigs had been bolted shut after the theft.
A lighter, torch, broken shovel and a woolly hat were found at the scene – further evidence pointing towards vandals.
Mr Bates said: "These animals are a vital learning tool for the pupils and many are very fond of them. We have mice, sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs that are used for holistic therapy in our outdoor roundhouse area, and pupils get to have one-on-one time petting them. The chickens lay eggs which we sell on to staff members, and we use them to educate the children.
"Many children here are in wheelchairs and having the guinea pigs or rabbits on their laps is a calming and relaxing influence for them."
The stolen guinea pigs comprised of a breeding pair - a long-haired white and grey coloured male and a small white and black female - and a black and ginger mother and her three babies.
The two rabbits were both male; one smoky grey coloured and one honey and golden. All the stolen animals are tame and well-handled.
Staff at the school are now locking away high value items and Mr Bates is today installing CCTV at the site.
Police are urging anyone with information relating to these crimes, or witnessed anything suspicious in the area, to contact them on 101 or by emailing 101@Devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/084425/15.
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GUILTY: Donald Pemberton murdered Tanis Bhandari
THE two men who killed Tanis Bhandari had "gone out ready for violence" according to the judge who handed them both a life sentence.
Donald Pemberton and Ryan Williams have been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 23 years following the killing on New Year's Day.
The pair showed little reaction as they were led away
Mr Justice Nigel Teare called the death of 27-year-old builder Tanis "unnecessary and unprovoked" and spoke of the "irreplaceable loss" his family had suffered.
Pemberton, of Victoria Road, St Budeaux, faced one joint count of murder, three counts of wounding with intent and one count of actual bodily harm.
He was today found guilty by a jury of five men and seven women, with each count on a majority of 11 to 1.
His co-defendant, Ryan Williams, of Haydon Grove, St Budeaux, pleaded guilty to all five charges earlier in the trial.
Mr Justice Teare said: "His [Tanis] unexpected and unnecessary death on what had been a night of celebration and optimism for the future has changed his family's lives forever.
"The moving statement of his mother demonstrates that."
Tanis' mother she spoke of the "irreplaceable loss" the family had suffered, the Judge said.
"The result of this unnecessary and unprovoked attack was that Tanis Bhandari lost his life and Jamie Healy suffered very, very serious injuries," Mr Justice Teare said.
"[Jamie's] life was saved by doctors."
The Judge praised the courage of the group of friends in tackling Donald Pemberton as he lunged at them with an axe.
Speaking to the killers, Mr Justice Teare said: "You had gone out ready for violence and were in an aggressive mood."
The jury had spent 13 hours and 35 minutes in deliberations as they tried to reach a unanimous verdict against Pemberton.
They were originally sent out on Tuesday at 11.02am to consider their verdict by Mr Justice Nigel Teare.
They returned at 4.30pm, informing the court clerk they had not yet reached a unanimous verdict
The jury were again sent out at 10.10am yesterday and returned at 4.12pm.
Today, they were asked by the judge whether they had reached a verdict on which they were all agreed.
Mr Justice Teare sent the jury out at 11.34am today, saying he would accept a majority verdict on the charges to which at least 10 of them could agree.
At 12.37pm the jury of five men and seven women returned to court. When asked by the court clerk, the foreman answered the questions, returning a guilty verdict to all five counts, noting that each was on a majority of 11 to 1.
Despite being asked by the judge to remain silent during the verdicts being read out, stifled gasps and crying could be heard from the public gallery, which has remained full for nearly every day of the 16 day trial.
Pemberton, dressed in a dark grey shirt and black tie, gave no great reaction as the verdicts were read out. He appeared to look around the court room, place his hands on his hips and behind his back, occasionally rubbing his face with the back of his hands.
Defence barrister for Williams – Paul Dunkells QC - told the court his client was in the building having been brought from prison.
It is expected the court will reconvene at 2.15pm. The judge will hear mitigation from MR Dunkells QC and Pemberton's defence, Martin Meeke, QC, before he passes sentence.
Popular builder Tanis Bhandari, 27, was fatally stabbed after spending a night with friends at The Kings Arms public house on New Year's Eve in Tamerton Foliot. Jamie Healy, Sean Cordon and George Walker all suffered serious wounds while Matthew Daw suffered cuts to his arm.
Detective Inspector Ian Ringrose from Devon and Cornwall Police's Major Crime Investigation Team said: "We welcome the guilty verdict which will see both Donald Pemberton and Ryan Williams serve life sentences for the murder of Tanis Bhandari.
"Both men have not only been convicted of Tanis' murder, but also for assaults on Jamie Healy, Sean Cordon, George Walker and Matthew Daw.
"This was a senseless, unprovoked and horrific attack on a group of friends celebrating the New Year. Tanis Bhandari lost his life at the age of 27 years and the attack has had a profound impact on the victims, their families, friends and the community."
Det Insp Ringrose added: "The Major Crime Investigation Team conducted a thorough investigation into the tragic events that night. However, the result would not have been possible without the actions of officers who attended the incident on the night and support of the community, in particular the very close community of Tamerton Foliot.
"I would like to thank everyone who assisted the investigation and who have supported police throughout.
"Tanis' family, the victims who survived, their family, friends and the community have acted with dignity throughout this ordeal. I hope that the outcome today will allow everyone who has been affected to gain some kind of closure and help recover from this traumatic crime."
History of a tragedy, from attack to conviction
Jury told they could consider manslaughter, as alternative to murder charge
Pemberton is a 'charmless chav' who is 'long on threat, short on action'
Pemberton said video of him brandishing knives in street was 'unfair'
Tears after the stabbing in Tamerton Foliot
Jurors watch Pemberton brandishing meat cleavers on CCTV
Aggressive Facebook exchange before fatal attack
Forensic evidence closed case for prosecution
Pemberton's sister said he snorted drug before attack
Surgeon said wound was deep enough he could reach the operating table through it
Sober witnesses tell what they saw on the night of the attack
Police reveal threats and insults
Police say murder scene was most horrific and distressing of their careers
"Come up this lane and I will stab the lot of you"
Witnesses speak of Tanis Bhandari covered in blood
Man who lost kidney and spleen in attack begged not to die
He came at me with an axe, I thought he would kill me
Tanis's best friend broke down in tears
Man admits murder of Tanis Bhandari
I watched Tanis die in front of me as friends tried to save him
Evidence linked killers to the scene
Pemberton told police "I don't care if he dies"
Family thanks Plymouth for their amazing support
Facebook pictures of the accused brandishing weapons are shown to jury
Friends run half-marathon in memory of Tanis
Farewell to Tanis - emotional funeral for much-loved man
Tesco staff raise £4,500 for Tanis's family
Hundreds gather at vigil for Tanis Bhandari
Pub creates photo montage memorial for Tanis
30 get tattoos in memory of Tanis
Family pays tributes - there will never ne another Tanis
Messages of support for man left fighting for his life
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Tanis murder trial: 'Killers were out looking for victims, it could have been anyone'
A NIGHT of friendly revelry turned "into a complete nightmare" which could easily have seen more than just one murder, say detectives who carried out the inquiry into Tanis Bhandari's murder.
Det Insp Ian Ringrose, senior investigating officer and Det Sgt Chris Rooney spoke to The Herald about the lengthy and thorough investigation which resulted in Ryan Williams admitting his guilt just four days into the trial, and Donald Pemberton being found guilty of all charges by a majority verdict on the 16th day of proceedings.
Det Sgt Rooney noted what many in the city realised after the details came out during the trial – that the victims could have been anybody on that day.
He said: "This could have happened to so many people. Everyone could be put into the position that Tanis Bhandari was.
"We could have been looking at two or even three murders.
"Any one of those people involved in this altercation could have been the deceased.
"They [Williams and Pemberton] had intent to cause harm. They weren't going out as New Year's revellers."
As they gathered statements from witnesses, investigators became keenly aware of a singular issue regarding traumatic incidents involving a large number of people who had been drinking.
No two stories were exactly the same. Some remembered only brief exchanges, different words spoken, different movements. Some were so traumatised by the incident that even though they suffered serious injury they could remember next to nothing of the event.
Even among those who were stone-cold sober the stories revealed significant differences. Investigators had to piece together the scraps of information from witnesses and victims, add forensic evidences from the scene, suspected weapons and clothing to try and create a coherent picture of what took place.
Det Insp Ringrose said: "It can happen in such situations. You can get tunnel vision."
Despite there being a knife used at the scene, few remembered even seeing such a weapon.
Det Insp Ringrose said: "Knives are so dangerous and a knife is easily concealed."
Det Sgt Rooney said: "Some witnesses who were there had different versions of the incident. One had nothing. It's very understandable because this was the most horrific incident anyone there has ever been involved with."
Det Insp Ringrose, agreed, adding: "Including the police officers who turned up."
The investigators said around 10 999 calls were made to police and the ambulance service that night.
Officers arrived and instantly had to deal with multiple scenes – Station Road where Tanis lay dying, the green where the attack took place, The Kings Arms public house where witnesses and injured victims were taken, as well as the lengthy of Milford Lane where the suspects were last seen.
Det Sgt Rooney said: "Police and the ambulance service received many many calls from the Station Road area. Six officers were at that location, two firearms officers attended with a defibrillator, there were three or four different types of paramedic including a motorcyclist paramedic. There were police cars and ambulances all around the area.
"I can't get my head around all that those officers and paramedics had to do that night – different scenes to control, different locations to be at, numerous injured and distressed people."
As equally proud of his fellow officers and colleagues in the ambulance service, Det Sgt Rooney and Det Insp Ringrose have heaped praise on the victims of the terrifying assault, their families and the wider Tamerton Foliot community.
Det Sgt Rooney said: "The impact on the community cannot be underestimated.
"The thing that has stood out for me is the number of people affected by this, right across the Tamerton Foliot community.
"The support we've had from the families has been brilliant. Jamie Healy, George Walker, Sean Cordon, Matthew Daw, the family and friends of Tanis Bhandari – they have shown absolute dignity and the people of Tamerton Foliot helped us from the very first day.
"We've been able to go into a great deal of detail, carried out house to house inquiries, work out the exact route the pair travelled."
Some of the witnesses came forward of their own volition while investigators were able to trace others.
Det Sgt Rooney said: "Each added a piece to our inquiry. Sometimes it was thought by the witness to be a small, seemingly insignificant piece, but ultimately it showed what they [Williams and Pemberton] were heading towards."
Det Insp Ringrose agreed, noting: "They weren't out there as victims. They were out there looking for victims. They made sure of that. They stacked the odds in their favour from the outset.
"It turned into a complete nightmare. No-one could have second guessed what Williams and Pemberton would have done that night."
Det Sgt Rooney concurs, adding: "I hope no-one would ever find them selves in that situation.
"For whatever reasons they [Williams and Pemberton] left the party intent on doing something terrible."
And terrible it was, as Det Sgt Rooney said some witnesses, including police and paramedics, talked about seeing a scene which they thought they would "only ever see in a film".
Looking back at the case and the comments from witnesses, Det Sgt Rooney returns to the single most worrying aspect of the case – the complete randomness of the victims.
He said: "What makes it unique for me is who it could have been that night. We've had witnesses turn around and genuinely say 'that could've been me'. We had four people who could have been the victims just seconds before Williams and Pemberton attacked the larger group."
Det Sgt Rooney also noted how Tanis Bhandari suffered two wounds to his back while both Sean Cordon and Jamie Healy also suffered wounds to their backs.
Without making further comment about the cowardice an attack from behind on three men was, Det Sgt Rooney suggests the injuries themselves were "particularly telling" about the person who inflected them.
"They didn't even know they were injured at first," said Det Insp Ringrose.
He added: "Some of those involved in this case will ask themselves 'why
did I survive?'
"Others have questioned themselves 'why didn't I stop it?'
"It was a complete melee, people literally fighting for their lives and their friends' lives.
"Williams and Pemberton worked themselves up into a frenzy. You can't blame anyone else but those two.
"No-one could have stopped this and no way can they [the victims] be made to feel responsible.
"The only people responsible is Williams and Pemberton".
One officer linked to the investigation was keen to stress the efforts senior investigating officer Det Insp Ringrose went to in ensuring both Williams and Pemberton faced justice.
Search teams covered large areas of land, much of it dense woodland, on either side of Milford Lane, from it's junction with Tamerton Foliot Road to the area near Norwich Avenue where the pair were arrested.
The officer – who asked not to be named – said: "The search [for the weapons] was incredible.
"The weather was terrible and he got them in there looking. There was rope teams, officers strimming back the foliage, metal detectors, then sniffer dogs.
"He made sure they went back and searched further than anyone else would have gone.
"He was so determined to make sure we had those weapons.
"That's how important this job was to him [Det Insp Ringrose], to do this on behalf of Tanis, his family and the others."
Unaware of the admiration from his team, Det Insp Ringrose said: "It's a real privilege to be able to investigate something like this on someone's behalf. It's done on behalf of Tanis Bhandari – you become their voice and you become very protective of the case, to ensure it gets to court and is able to get justice for those who deserve it.
"We want a fair trial and justice for the people who've been injured in killed. They deserve that."
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Tanis murder trial: Plymouth police welcome guilty verdict
THE PLYMOUTH police officers who led the investigation into the 'senseless' Tanis Bhandari's murder have welcomed the guilty verdict.
Donald Pemberton was today found guilty by a jury of the murder and four other charges, while Ryan Williams pleaded guilty to all charges earlier in the trial.
Both men were involved in the attack on Mr Bhandari in the village of Tamerton Foliot on New Year's Day this year.
Detective Inspector Ian Ringrose from Devon and Cornwall Police's Major Crime Investigation Team said: "We welcome the guilty verdict which will see both Donald Pemberton and Ryan Williams serve life sentences for the murder of Tanis Bhandari.
"Both men have not only been convicted of Tanis' murder, but also for assaults on Jamie Healy, Sean Cordon, George Walker and Matthew Daw.
"This was a senseless, unprovoked and horrific attack on a group of friends celebrating the New Year. Tanis Bhandari lost his life at the age of 27 years and the attack has had a profound impact on the victims, their families, friends and the community."
Det Insp Ringrose added: "The Major Crime Investigation Team conducted a thorough investigation into the tragic events that night. However, the result would not have been possible without the actions of officers who attended the incident on the night and support of the community, in particular the very close community of Tamerton Foliot.
"I would like to thank everyone who assisted the investigation and who have supported police throughout.
"Tanis' family, the victims who survived, their family, friends and the community have acted with dignity throughout this ordeal. I hope that the outcome today will allow everyone who has been affected to gain some kind of closure and help recover from this traumatic crime."
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Tanis murder trial: The part Facebook played in killer Pemberton's guilty verdict
FACEBOOK advertises itself as a place for friends to connect, old friends to reconnect, even a place for new friends to be made.
Not everyone uses it this way.
For some, it's a spotlight to show others just how big, just how hard, just how dangerous you are.
Donald Pemberton was a particular fan of the social networking site.
Instead of happy family photos and pictures of holidays, Pemberton's timeline is littered with images of him, beer can clutched in one hand, a middle finger on display or an attempt at a gang-symbol.
Sometimes the pictures are of him with his arms around his friends' shoulders, the can and the finger or two still on show.
On occasion, the can is replaced by a weapon. One image from his timeline even showed him waving a knife back and forth as he sits nonchalantly next to a friend.
One December 27 he changed his profile picture to one of him sitting side by side with Ryan Williams. Pemberton was showing off his L O V E tattoo on his fingers – and his ACAB [All Coppers Are B****ards] on his knuckles – while Williams was giving the photographer the finger.
At 9.59pm four days later – on New Year's Eve – Pemberton changed his profile picture again. But this time it was just him with his blue T-shirt, his gold bracelet and a large meat cleaver grasped in his right hand.
Around 6.45pm on New Years Eve, a young Plymouth man called Dale Hewitt was made aware he was being threatened on the social networking site.
In response, his friends told him on his Facebook site to keep his "nose clean and just chill" while others urged him "Calm down Dale! You don't wanna end up in a cell tonight love".
Dale was angry and replied: "I'll kill any **** that says there going through my Mum's door so ******* bring it Don Pemberton". Minutes later he urged "all my haters write to me, ready and ******* waiting".
Pemberton was busy with his own Facebook, changing his profile picture at 10.58pm.
This latest picture showed him bare-chested, brandishing tattoos on his right arm and his conflicting LOVE and ACAB tattoos on his left hand.
In his right hand he brandishes one of his brother's "collectable" weapons – a huge machete.
By 11.33pm Dale asked his friends where Don lived adding "I'll hit him before he does me".
Just 11 minutes later, Pemberton began writing on Dale's Facebook page, stating "Yh I will ya mug I'm gonna get ya ya ******* fairy."
Dale responded, noting "look at da state ov ya joke puttin pics up wid blades to make urself look big grow da **** up n stop talking black u lil wnabe gangster."
In response at 11.50pm Pemberton wrote: "Haha well watch when I am in front of ya with barrel to your chest see how much of braveheart u are den init big boy"
A few minutes later, Dale's mother – whom Dale claimed Pemberton had threatened online – joined the discourse, calling him a "lil boy".
The mother told Pemberton she was at home, while telling Dale she could "handle lil mugs like that".
When asked his whereabouts by Dale, at 12.03am, Pemberton replied: "Tameton (sic) foliot u little waste n so **** ya mum she aint my mum so I don't give a **** let's have a meet."
Pemberton continued his tirade of abuse at both Dale and his mother for the next few minutes, even urging Dale to come to meet him, adding "U gonna grant me wish an come to me pleaaaaseeeee bruv I will pay for ya taxi".
When Dale claimed he knew where Pemberton's mother lived, saying he would see him soon, Pemberton replied at 12.12am: "Haha I hope u do bro I'm gonna stab ya liver in swear on her life and she got cancer, when I see ya I'm giving the best I got ya skid mark".
He quickly followed this with: "U can act hard but we'll see when I'm in front of ya thought u was coming to me? What's the matter did one ya boys tell ya you get battered if ya comae to me ya wet ****" before adding "**** off ya donut".
By now it was 12.17am, and somewhere in the Tamerton Foliot Pemberton was angrily hitting the screen of his mobile phone.
He made the final change to his profile picture, putting up a mirror-shot of himself, wearing a Addidas top, his hood up and a mask across his lower face.
His hand was up by his face in a "gun" pose.
Moments later he was back on his phone responding to comments by Dale's mother, who derided the youth's threats.
At 12.26am he told her to "watch" while replied "mug".
Pemberton went on to ask why she was getting involved, which made her own son "look like a goon".
Another relative of Dale's joined in the barrage against Pemberton, saying he was going to head to his home. The friend wrote: I want to know where he lives coz the ******** fools is getting a visit has he had any ******** experience in hurting someone with a butter knife let alone a knife/cleaver/or any sort of blade, I want to know where he is TONIGHT ******* ****ed off with kids thinking they'll wave a blade around & get resect for it by many, well in my time that **** got people propa chopped up text where I can find this ******* mug".
As expected Pemberton replied to Dale's friend at 12.35am, telling him to keep his nose out or he would get "battered".
At 12.55am Pemberton replied to more derision from Dale's mother with more insults.
His last Facebook response came on January 1 at 1.01am when he wrote "Yhyh".
The jury were told that during his aggressive exchanges with Mr Hewitt, Pemberton was also embroiled in another war of words with Kane Swabey.
Pemberton revealed that Mr Swabey had since deleted all his Facebook comments, leaving only Pemberton's responses.
In addition, Pemberton told the jury he was also in contact with Mr Swabey and Mr Hewitt via BBM (Blackberry Messenger) which could not be archived or tracked, causing these messages to effectively disappear.
He claimed Mr Swabey asked to meet him in Budshead Road, but added that his former friend was known to him to carry weapons.
Pemberton told the court: "He said he was on his way to my mums. He used to be my friend and knows where my mum lives."
In reply to Mr Swabey posts, asking where he was, Pemberton responded in turn in the run up to his departure from his brother's home in Tamerton Foliot on New Year's Day
His replies included: "I said Tamerton Foliot Kane you little ****head.
"Come here braveheart.
"Mate shuttup you grass.
"I know what you're about you scouse wannabe.
"Haha, I will be there in 25."
Less than half an hour later police were receiving calls from frightened revellers who had been threatened by Williams with a knife. Moments later the emergency services received a flurry of calls from Tanis's group, calling for paramedics to treat those injured by the attacks.
The ambulance service said three ambulances and two rapid response vehicles were requested at 1.39am.
This was not the first time Pemberton used Facebook to self-aggrandise his tough-guy credentials.
In January 2014 he appeared in court after he admitted attacking a man in Union Street on Christmas Eve.
Early on January 13, using a Blackberry phone, he noted "court ina min wish me luck x"
By the afternoon he announced he had "got 150 comunity (sic) service and 260 quid fine lol they was talking about custody sentances (sic) and that haha xx"
Answering questions he admitted "abh" – actual bodily harm.
Three days later he posted The Herald's report on his Facebook page, which was headlined "Teen too drunk to remember attack is spared a jail sentence".
The report noted how after the unprovoked assault where he punched a man, he became aggressive to two response officers. The report stated how one officer deployed his Taser and Pemberton 'tried to grab the Taser out of his hand and the officer suffered an injured thumb.'
However, in his Facebook post he claimed to his friends: "It said in the paper that the po po tried deploying a taser as I tried to grab it! It was already deployed and stuck my chest mate I got tazered twice haha."
In response, one of his female Facebook friends criticised Pemberton, telling him: "It's not something to be proud of don"
Predictably, Pemberton replied: "Shat ap [shut up], I'm well chuffed"
Undeterred, the girl continued her criticism: "What, cause you made the paper for something stupid?"
Charmless to a fault, Pemberton snapped back: "O shat up [shut up] you twat".
By comparison Williams' Facebook page appears barren. His only entry for September was to post an image of a handgun, while on December 31 he posted: "loves my girl so much even tho i am the goat in the relationship....... horny as a muthaaa***** constantly !!"
Williams then adds his girlfriend's name – Suzie Pemberton, sister of his co-defendant.
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Plymouth's police arrest 79 paedophiles - 16 in 'positions of trust'
POLICE have arrested 79 suspected paedophiles, 16 of whom held "positions of trust" giving them potential access to children, as part of a major national operation targeting illegal online activity.
The nine-month investigation was designed to crack down on people viewing or sharing indecent images of children, in particular offenders who were employed in sensitive occupations such as teachers or coaches.
Detectives say the operation was launched in an attempt to stop child abuse before it happens, preventing people who share indecent images online from going on to commit more serious "contact offences", and to safeguard youngsters who may be at risk of sexual exploitation.
Officers executed 74 warrants across Devon and Cornwall, the third highest nationally, which resulted in 79 arrests, including three registered sex offenders.
A total of 16 suspects held a position of trust or sensitive occupation.
One suspect has been charged, with the rest all currently on police bail.
Police said they were unable to reveal any more details about where or when the suspects were detained.
The operation, led by Devon and Cornwall Police, the National Crime Agency and the Association of Chief Police Officers, identified 52 children at risk, who are now safe and protected.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Ralph of Devon and Cornwall Police's public protection unit told The Herald the operation involved eight other police forces working with intelligence and advanced computer technology.
"We know some of the people who access indecent images of children online go on to abuse children directly and this operation has been focused on preventing this from happening," he said.
"Targeting offenders who access indecent images of children online influences potential abusers, and their criminal activity, and prevents children becoming victims of sexual abuse."
DCI Ralph added: "The positions of trust are things where someone might have potential easy access to children, it might be teachers or people who coach children in some capacity.
"The internet is not a safe space for paedophiles to access and view indecent images of children, as their activity leaves a digital footprint, which we will find.
"We have a team of specially trained detectives within our public protection unit who are dedicated to finding and prosecuting paedophiles and are making arrests every day across the force.
"Devon and Cornwall Police will continue to target paedophiles as part of our daily operational activity as we are committed to protecting children and finding people who believe it is acceptable to commit this type of crime."
DCI Ralph said people who share indecent images sometimes go on to commit more serious crimes.
"The sad fact is that can be a precursor to contact offences," he said.
"We felt it was really important to target these people before contact offences occurred, to get them to serve a term of imprisonment then go on the sex offenders register."
Devon and Cornwall Police's work to target suspected paedophiles and safeguard vulnerable children will continue.
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