LIAM WHITE FROM CREDITON INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC CRIME AT BUTLINS MINEHEAD

In January 2023, a disturbing incident unfolded at Butlin's holiday resort in Minehead involving a man from Crediton named Liam White. The events began with a violent altercation between White and his partner, which was so intense that it was captured by another holidaymaker who overheard their shouting and witnessed White standing outside their chalet with a suitcase.

According to reports, the confrontation inside the chalet escalated to physical violence, with White headbutting his partner. The woman was pushed backwards onto the bed during the assault but managed to get back on her feet afterward. The incident was serious enough that security at the holiday camp was alerted and reported the disturbance.

Weeks later, the disturbing pattern of violence continued in White’s personal life. It was revealed that he had killed his pet cat using a hammer and subsequently disposed of the animal in the communal bin area of his residence. A post-mortem examination confirmed the animal had sustained a fractured jaw and femur, indicating a brutal and unnecessary act of cruelty.

White, aged 34 and residing on Tarka Way in Crediton at the time, later pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to multiple charges, including assault causing actual bodily harm, battery, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. His sentencing included a suspended prison term and a requirement to complete a Building Better Relationships programme.

Prosecutor Miss Victoria Bastock explained that White and his partner had been involved in an on-and-off relationship for several years. The assault at Minehead occurred in the early hours of the morning and was reported to the holiday camp security staff. The following week, the same woman visited White’s address, where tensions escalated once again.

On that occasion, White, who was intoxicated after consuming his eighth beer and playing Xbox, became verbally abusive. He referred to his partner with derogatory language, calling her a “silly s**g” and expressing a lack of concern for her. White also threatened violence against her family members, claiming he would “take them both on.”

His aggression then turned physical when he threw a remote control at his partner, injuring her elbow and leaving a scar. In a display of self-destructive behavior, White began to self-harm with a razor blade, laughing and suggesting he could blame her for his actions. The situation further deteriorated when he knocked a cup of tea out of her hand.

White’s history includes 17 previous criminal convictions, some related to violence, although none specifically domestic. The court heard that the background to his violent behavior was a volatile and unstable relationship. Despite the severity of his actions, Judge Anna Richardson noted that White was a good candidate for rehabilitation and chose not to impose a ban on him owning animals in the future.

White was sentenced to a 20-week prison term suspended for a period, with an additional requirement to abstain from alcohol for 120 days. He was also placed under a five-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting the victim to prevent further harm.