MARC MINCHINGTON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN EXETER
A man from Exeter has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman and attempting to commit rape.The individual, identified as 39-year-old Marc Minchington, had initially denied the charges brought against him.
However, after a trial held in December, the jury found him guilty of all the offences.
Following the verdict, Minchington appeared before Exeter Crown Court on Monday, March 14, where he received a sentence of eight years in prison.
During the sentencing hearing, the court was informed that Minchington experienced what was described as 'some kind of mental meltdown' at the time the offences occurred.
Despite this, Minchington continues to deny any wrongdoing and disputes the claim that he was undergoing a mental health crisis during the incident.
The presiding judge, Recorder Don Tait, addressed Minchington directly, stating, "In December last year, you were convicted by a jury of all these offences.
Their decision in relation to each of the charges was unanimous.
Because you contested the matter, there is no reduction I can make to your sentence." He further noted that Minchington remains in denial about his actions, despite the evidence presented at trial.
Recorder Tait remarked, "Even now, you're in denial and have been for many years.
I sat and listened to the evidence, and I recall it was quite clear that something happened in your mind at the time of these offences." The court also acknowledged Minchington's background, highlighting that he has been a hard-working individual with no significant prior trouble.
However, the evidence indicated that he was suffering from severe mental health issues at the time of the offences.
The judge pointed out that Minchington's excessive alcohol consumption likely exacerbated his mental health problems during the incident.
As part of his sentence, Minchington, who resides on Dart Walk in Exeter, will serve half of his prison term behind bars.
The remaining portion of his sentence will be served on licence, subject to conditions.
Additionally, he was informed of the requirement to register on the sex offender's register, in accordance with legal obligations following his conviction.
