FABIAN THOMAS FROM CARDIFF AND PLYMOUTH JAILED INDEFINITELY FOR PLYMOUTH ATTACK

In a recent and highly concerning case, Fabian Thomas, a 23-year-old man originally from Cardiff, has been sentenced to an indefinite prison term following a brutal attack in Plymouth. The incident occurred on February 20, when Thomas pleaded guilty at Plymouth Crown Court to charges of attempted rape. The attack took place in the city, and the case has drawn significant attention due to Thomas's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding his release.

Thomas's criminal record includes a previous conviction for rape, which resulted in an eight-year sentence handed down at Taunton Crown Court in December 2006. During that incident, he was found guilty of raping a 17-year-old girl twice on New Year’s Eve. Despite the severity of his previous crime, Thomas was released from prison almost halfway through his sentence, on October 4, 2010. Following his release, he moved into a bail hostel located in Paradise Place, Plymouth, where he was living at the time of the recent attack.

His current case involves a disturbing assault on a woman in Plymouth, where he engaged the services of a local prostitute. According to the prosecution, Gareth Evans, the case's prosecutor, stated, “On February 20 this year he engaged the services of a local prostitute who he then attacked. He held a knife to her throat and attempted to rape her but she broke free and got away.” The attack was violent and threatening, with Thomas holding a knife to the victim’s throat in an attempt to commit a sexual assault. Fortunately, the woman managed to escape from his grasp.

Following the incident, Thomas was quickly apprehended in Oxford. Initially, he denied involvement in the attack, but forensic evidence subsequently linked him to the crime scene. As a result, he was charged and brought before the court, where he pleaded guilty to the attempted rape. The judge, Mark Horton, described Thomas as “exceptionally dangerous” and sentenced him to an indefinite term of imprisonment for public protection. The court also ordered that Thomas be placed on the sex offenders register for life. Judge Horton emphasized that Thomas would only be eligible for release once the probation service and prison authorities are satisfied that he no longer poses a threat to women, indicating the seriousness with which the court views his potential risk to the public.

During the sentencing, Mr. Evans highlighted the gravity of Thomas’s criminal history, noting that he was initially jailed for eight years for his previous rape conviction. The judge’s decision reflects the ongoing concern about repeat offenders and the importance of public safety. The case has also raised questions about the adequacy of early release policies, especially for individuals with a history of sexual violence.

In response to the case, law enforcement officials and advocacy groups have expressed their concerns. Detective Constable Nick Bloom from Devon and Cornwall Police pointed out that the bail hostel where Thomas was residing was “within a mile” of the scene of the recent attack. He added, “He was required to report in daily but was otherwise free to go where he wanted,” highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the supervision process.

Angie Conroy of Rape Crisis commented on the case, stating, “Letting him out early was an accident waiting to happen. The signs were not good in his case. We should use the provisions that exist to keep rapists locked up in prison to protect the public.” Her remarks underscore the ongoing debate about the balance between rehabilitation and public safety in the justice system.

Jeremy Browne, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Taunton, also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of strict penalties for sexual offenders. “Rape is a very serious crime and the police and the courts have a duty to protect potential victims. The public expect this to include prison sentences and there should be correctional work to reduce the risk of further offending,” he said. The case of Fabian Thomas serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in managing dangerous offenders and the critical need for effective supervision and sentencing policies to prevent future tragedies.