ROYSTON WHITE AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN PAIGNTON, SOUTH DEVON

A well-known offender from South Devon has been sentenced to a decade behind bars following a disturbing incident involving a sexual assault in her own home. The case, which unfolded in Exeter Crown Court, revealed a frightening sequence of events initiated by Royston White, a 40-year-old man from Church Street, Paignton.

According to court reports, White forcefully broke down the door of the victim’s residence, entering her home in an aggressive and threatening manner. Once inside, he armed himself with knives, creating an atmosphere of terror and intimidation. The court was told that White then demanded the woman disclose her PIN number, intending to withdraw cash for the purpose of purchasing drugs. Under duress, she complied and wrote down her PIN, after which White proceeded to sexually assault her.

The assault was part of a broader pattern of violent and criminal behavior. When police officers eventually apprehended White, he did not show remorse; instead, he threatened to slit the woman’s throat, further demonstrating his dangerous and unpredictable nature.

White, also known by the alias Southhall, faced a series of serious charges. In April, he was found guilty at trial of assault by penetration, blackmail, and possessing ketamine. Additionally, he admitted to possessing two knives in a public place. Despite the conviction, White chose not to attend most of the trial proceedings, opting instead to remain in his cell. It was reported that during his time in jail, he was studying Buddhism.

During sentencing, Recorder Martin Meeke QC reviewed White’s criminal history, which was extensive. The defendant had rarely been employed and had accumulated 61 previous court appearances, primarily for dishonesty-related offenses, with some instances involving violence. The court considered whether to impose an extended sentence but ultimately decided against it, as the judge believed White did not pose a significant threat to the general public.

The judge highlighted White’s long-standing drug addiction, stating, “The defendant has been a drug addict for many years.” He further explained that during the trial, White admitted that it would be easier to list the drugs he had not taken than those he had. At his worst, White’s drug habit was estimated at around £300 per day.

The court also heard that White’s drug dependency often led him to commit thefts to fund his addiction. He openly acknowledged that he would “make a complete ar***hole of myself” if he did not get what he wanted, illustrating his reckless and destructive behavior.

Representing White, Mr. William Parkhill described him as an intelligent individual whose mental state was heavily affected by drugs. He stated that White could not remember the details of the sexual assault, suggesting a possible drug-induced amnesia.

Following the sentencing, South Devon police commander Ch Supt Keith Perkin praised the investigation conducted by the South Devon Sexual Offences & Domestic Abuse Team. In a tweet, he expressed pride in the effort, stating, “Due to an excellent investigation from the South Devon Sexual Offences & Domestic Abuse Team, Royston Southall has been sentenced to 10yrs imprisonment. This was not an easy investigation and outcome, a credit to the investigators.”