RICHARD MARSHALL'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN CROYDE AND NORTH DEVON

In September 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving Richard Marshall, a man with significant learning difficulties, who was implicated in a series of heinous sexual offenses against young boys in North Devon, particularly around the Croyde area. Despite the gravity of the allegations, Marshall was deemed unfit to stand trial due to his severe autism, low IQ, and other psychological conditions, which rendered him incapable of understanding or participating in the legal proceedings.

As a result, he was not sentenced to prison but was instead ordered to undergo supervised treatment within the community. Over the next two years, Marshall is required to attend one-on-one meetings with probation officers in North Devon, specifically in Barnstaple, to address his behavioral issues and prevent any recurrence of such offenses. This approach aims to balance public safety with the recognition of his mental health challenges.

Marshall, aged 29, was a familiar figure in Croyde, a village known for its beaches and surf culture. Many local residents, including several villagers, provided character references praising his upbringing and the care his parents have given him over the years. These references highlighted his vulnerability but also his generally good-natured and cheerful disposition. The community’s support was evident, with some villagers emphasizing that Marshall’s family has always tried to help him live as normal a life as possible.

The crimes in question involved sexual assaults on boys, with the incidents occurring when the victims and Marshall were alone. The first victim, a boy aged 12 or 13, was subjected to multiple assaults, including exposure, masturbation in front of him, and acts of oral sex. The victim, who initially did not understand what was happening, later realized he was a victim after attending sex education lessons at school. He confided in friends, who encouraged him to tell his parents, leading to police involvement. The boy described feeling physically sick and emotionally distressed in the days following the abuse, which caused him to miss school due to upset stomachs.

In a separate but related incident in July 2019, another 12-year-old boy was approached by Marshall while at Croyde beach, a popular spot for surfing and recreation. Marshall, known locally for hanging around the sand dunes and skate park, exposed himself to boys in the area. The situation escalated when Marshall lured the boy into an alleyway near the skate park, where he was forced to perform oral sex under threats of telling his parents. The young victim was confused and frightened, believing he would be blamed if he disclosed the abuse. Like the first victim, he later confided in friends, which led to police intervention.

Marshall’s history in Croyde was characterized by his frequent presence at the beach, skate park, and surf club, which contributed to the community’s perception of him as harmless. However, the serious nature of these offenses shattered that image. During court proceedings at Exeter Crown Court, Marshall was not in the traditional dock but sat at the back of the courtroom with his parents, reflecting his unfitness to plead. The jury found that he had committed two counts of rape, one attempted rape, three counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Peter Johnson, presiding over the case, emphasized the limitations in sentencing options due to Marshall’s mental health status. He ordered a two-year supervision period, explaining that a hospital order was unnecessary and that community supervision was the most appropriate course of action. The judge acknowledged Marshall’s long-standing residence in Croyde and the support he had from villagers, stating, “All the reports agreed you were incapable of standing trial because of your learning disability, autistic disorder, and adult ADHD. You will attend meetings with the probation service in Barnstaple which will address your problems and ensure you do not do these acts again. I hope that will provide some comfort to the boy.”

Defense lawyer Richard Crabb highlighted the support from Marshall’s parents and the character references from villagers, noting that the publicity surrounding the case had made Marshall’s situation well known locally. He argued that this awareness could serve as a form of protection and emphasized the community’s efforts to help Marshall lead a normal life.

The case also involved a video interview in which the first victim described how Marshall’s behavior escalated from exposure to more invasive acts, including oral sex. The boy recounted feeling sick and distressed after the incidents, which affected his school attendance and emotional well-being. His bravery in coming forward was praised by the court, with the judge commending his courage and the support of his friends in encouraging him to report the abuse.

In July 2019, another incident involving Marshall was reported, where he approached a 12-year-old boy on Croyde beach, exposing himself and later forcing the boy into sexual acts. Marshall’s actions took place in dunes near the beach and an alleyway near the skate park, where he threatened the boy to keep silent. The boy, overwhelmed and confused, believed he would be blamed if he told anyone. His subsequent disclosures to friends and family led to police investigations. The police and prosecution described Marshall as a well-known local character, whose reputation for harmlessness was shattered by these revelations.

As the case continues, Marshall’s sentencing is scheduled for August 12, after reports about his mental health and community care arrangements are completed. The judge overseeing the sentencing emphasized the unusual circumstances of the case but expressed hope that the victims and their families could find some closure and move forward. The community of Croyde, once unaware of Marshall’s actions, now faces the difficult reality of these crimes, prompting reflection on how best to protect vulnerable individuals in the future.