Man sentenced for assault in Ottery St Mary town centre
A man has been given a suspended sentence for an assault outside an Ottery St Mary pub.
Samuel Whitcombe, 46, of Brook Street in Ottery St Mary, was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 September after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
Whitcombe was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for 12 months. He must also complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and pay associated court costs.
The court heard how on 19 June 2025 police were informed that a man had been in cardiac arrest and suffered a nasty head injury.
Officers attended hospital and the victim described how he’d been assaulted.
As a result, officers attended Brook Street and viewed CCTV footage.
The footage showed the victim walking along Brook Street and approaching the rear of The Kings Arms when he was approached by Whitcombe.
Following a verbal disagreement Whitcombe pushed the victim into a wall, causing a significant head injury.
CCTV from The Lamb and Flag identified Whitcombe as the attacker. He later attended Exeter Police Station and was arrested.
The victim’s injuries were a bleed on the brain, a bruise to the skull and a skin laceration. The victim continued to suffer strong headaches and leg tingling after the assault.
A search of Whitcombe’s house found Class B drugs for which he pleaded guilty to possessing.