DEREK WOODS FROM ALPHINGTON AND EXETER CAUGHT IN HORSE ABUSE SCANDAL AT CLYST ST GEORGE STABLES

In a case that has shocked the local community, Derek Woods, a 26-year-old resident of Alphington, Exeter, was brought before Exeter Crown Court to face serious allegations of animal abuse involving a horse at a stable in Clyst St George. The incident, which took place over a period of time, involved Woods engaging in unlawful sexual acts with a mare, an act that has been widely condemned as both deviant and deplorable by the presiding judge, Judge Paul Darlow.

Woods pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a horse on March 3 of the previous year. Additionally, he admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the same animal on two separate occasions—December 18, 2009, and August 9, 2010. The court was informed that Woods’ actions were not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of behavior that caused significant distress to the animal involved.

The investigation into Woods’ activities was initiated after the stable’s owner discovered him asleep in the barn during one of his visits. The owner also noticed injuries on the horse, which raised immediate concerns that the animal had been subjected to inappropriate interference. This discovery prompted further scrutiny and an extensive investigation by Exmouth CID officers.

To gather evidence, authorities employed a range of tactics, including the use of CCTV surveillance and alarms installed at the stable. These measures proved crucial in identifying Woods as the suspect. The police’s efforts culminated in his arrest in August, after he triggered an alarm at the stable. When officers responded to the scene, they found Woods inside the premises. CCTV footage from that night clearly showed Woods entering the stable and committing the acts of abuse. The footage also captured him kneeling on an overturned bin and attempting to carry out similar acts on a neighboring horse when the first animal moved away in distress.

Veterinary experts who reviewed the footage confirmed that the horses displayed clear signs of distress, underscoring the severity of Woods’ actions. The investigation also recovered Woods’ DNA from the scene, linking him directly to the crimes.

During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution highlighted the disturbing nature of Woods’ conduct. Defense counsel Nigel Wraith attempted to mitigate the sentence by stating that Woods was intoxicated at the time of the offenses. Wraith also noted Woods’ apparent inability or unwillingness to discuss the motives behind his actions.

In addition to the supervision order, Judge Darlow mandated that Woods attend an alcohol-specific activity program, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues related to substance abuse. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the community’s need for justice and protection from such deviant behavior.