DANIEL COLLINS FROM FRAMPTON AND TORQUAY SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL ON DEVON BEACH

In a shocking case that has sent ripples through the community of Devon, two teenage boys, Daniel Collins from Frampton and Aaron Hull from Torquay, have been handed life sentences after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place on a beach in Torquay, where the young girl was subjected to a brutal assault, leaving lasting scars both physically and psychologically.

At the time of the offense, both Collins and Hull were just 15 years old. They were on unsupervised leave from a children’s home located in Torquay, which has since been closed. Their freedom during this period has become a point of controversy, as they were allowed to leave the facility without supervision, despite being seen by individuals who knew they should have returned to the home.

The case was brought before Exeter Crown Court in December 2004, where the jury found both teenagers guilty of multiple serious charges, including rape, robbery, and attempted robbery. The judge presiding over the case, Graham Cottle, sentenced each of them to a minimum of four years and three months in prison before they could be considered for parole. This decision underscores the gravity of their crimes and the potential danger they pose to society.

During the trial, the court heard harrowing details of the assault. The prosecution, led by Martin Steen, described how the girl was taken to a beach in Torquay on May 29, where she was raped. Her boyfriend was also attacked and beaten during the incident. The prosecutor emphasized the profound psychological impact on the victim, who now refuses to go out alone, and noted that her boyfriend suffered permanent brain damage as a consequence of the attack.

It was also revealed that Collins and Hull failed to return to the children’s home on the day the crimes occurred. Despite this, they were granted what was termed “illicit leave,” even though witnesses had seen them outside the home, indicating a lapse in supervision and security.

Judge Graham Cottle, who took the unusual step of publicly naming the defendants during the sentencing, described both Collins and Hull as “completely out of control.” He expressed concern about their future, stating, “Both of you are likely to remain dangerous for an unpredictable length of time. The risk each one of you presents for causing serious harm to the public is very considerable.”

However, the judge also acknowledged the complex backgrounds of the teenagers. Psychiatric reports indicated that neither had experienced a normal upbringing, and both required extensive education and training to address their behavioral issues. The court recognized that their actions could not be entirely attributed to personal blame, given their circumstances.

In addition to the rape conviction, Collins had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment, three robberies, and two attempted robberies. Hull had admitted to two robberies, two attempted robberies, and causing grievous bodily harm. These admissions further highlight the pattern of violent and criminal behavior exhibited by both teenagers, raising concerns about their rehabilitation prospects and the safety of the wider community in Devon.