In 2019, following the death of Judge Graham Cottle, the Offender Database reported on a series of controversial sentences handed down at Exeter Crown Court and surrounding jurisdictions. Judge Cottle, who presided over numerous “serious” sexual offence cases in Devon, was frequently criticised for issuing suspended sentences or community orders to offenders convicted of “disgusting and indefensible” acts against children.
While tributes were paid to his long career, records show a pattern in which Cottle often prioritised rehabilitation over custodial sentences, even in cases involving repeat offenders or those deemed high risks to the public.
Suspended Sentences and Community Orders
Judge Cottle frequently emphasised that treatment was “much more constructive” than jail time. This led to several notable “reported” outcomes:
- Toni Stevens (2018): A charity worker from Torquay who groomed 39 girls under 14 for sex escaped jail with a suspended sentence to “get help.”
- Robert Powell (2011): An internet predator caught in a sting operation in Exeter, expecting sex with a 13-year-old, was allowed to walk free for treatment.
- Robert Lemin (2012): Received a suspended sentence for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.
- Hudson (2009): A “dangerous” pervert who abused a 5-year-old in Exeter avoided prison with a suspended sentence.
- Arthur Puffett (2017): A convicted sex offender who breached orders by taking photos of girls under 10 in Torquay was given a suspended term.
Repeat Offenders and Risk Assessments
The database reported that Judge Cottle occasionally ignored “damning” risk assessments. In 1996, he gave Christopher Phillipson a chance to reform despite a report highlighting a high risk of re-offending. Similarly, in 2003, he refused to jail Paul Bartlett, a school bus driver in Paignton who targeted girls aged 11 and 12 while already on the Sex Offenders Register.
Perhaps the most “serious” case involved Joseph McColgan, known as the “Beast of Sligo.” Despite a record of extreme violence in Ireland, Cottle handed him only 30 months for possessing child sexual abuse images in 2010, leading to his early release.
Public Protection and Accountability
In 2017, Cottle spared Lee Pollard and Mark Allen jail after they drugged and had sex with 14-year-old girls, controversially deciding the acts were “consensual” despite the victims’ age. That same year, Roderick Woolven of Torquay, who possessed an “enormous library” of the most “serious” abuse images, was given a community order.
Police Scotland and forces across the South West emphasise that while judicial discretion exists, the safety of children remains the primary objective. The “reported” legacy of these judgements continues to be a point of debate regarding the balance between offender rehabilitation and the “serious” need for public protection.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.