Man jailed after throwing victim 12 foot over railings onto road below in Torquay
A Torquay man has been jailed for six years after throwing a victim 12 foot from a raised footpath onto a busy road below.
After the fall from height which caused multiple fractures, the victim was then narrowly missed by an oncoming vehicle.
Daniel Meredith, 36, of Queen Street in Torquay, appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 17 July having been convicted at trial of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court heard how the incident in question took place on 28 October 2025 in Torbay Road, Torquay.
At around 6.15pm officers were called to a report of two men arguing near the bridge on Torbay Road.
Footage obtained showed Meredith and the victim beside the railings of a raised pedestrian walkway.
It was then that the victim was thrown over the edge by Meredith, falling 12-15 feet headfirst onto the road below.
The victim was left with a number of broken bones including a broken spine, broken shoulders, six broken ribs and significant bruising.
Detective Inspector Jeanne Hellyer said: “We welcome the sentence passed by the court for what was a vicious assault committed by Daniel Meredith.
“The victim in this case was left with serious injuries and the dash-cam footage from a passing vehicle shows just how close the victim was to losing his life as he fell onto the road below.
“There is no place for such violence in our society and we are pleased Meredith has been taken off the streets before he could commit further harm.
“Meredith left the force area after the incident but was swiftly located by our officers and returned to face justice.
“I would like to praise the bravery of the victim and thank him for remaining engaged throughout the court process allowing justice to be done.”
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