In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Joshua Malachi Exley, 32, was made subject to a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) following a hearing at Exeter Magistrates’ Court. The defendant—of Birchwood Road, Brixington, Exmouth, Devon—was the subject of an application by Devon and Cornwall Police due to concerns regarding his behaviour toward women and minors. It was reported that the court granted the order for a period of two years to protect the public from potential sexual harm.
The investigation established that two women, who were unconnected to each other, provided similar descriptions of alleged predatory behaviour. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that one victim alleged a series of assaults between March and April 2025, including claims that Exley bit her arm and neck, and attempted to force sexual activity despite being told no. The prosecution reported that a second complainant reported similar concerns to Avon and Somerset Police, alleging that Exley also bit her during a date.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Exley’s behaviour extended to seeking out access to children through online and social settings. Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard that one complainant witnessed Exley attempting to engage with young girls on Reddit, specifically responding to forums for people seeking caregivers by claiming to be one himself. The investigation established that he also attempted to persuade his Dungeons & Dragons group to allow a 15-year-old girl to join their activities.
Magistrates were told that while Exley denied all allegations during police interviews, the pattern of behaviour reported across different police force areas was significant. For his actions in Exmouth, the bench ruled that the SRO was a necessary measure for public protection. The order places strict legal restrictions on Exley’s conduct for the next two years, and any breach of these conditions is a criminal offence that can result in an immediate prison sentence.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the restrictions reported in England, the status of Joshua Malachi Exley as of 28 March 2026 is as follows:
- Legal Order: Sexual Risk Order (SRO).
- Duration: 2 years (Expires March 2028).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements apply for the duration of the SRO.
- Judicial Oversight: Granted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court following a Devon and Cornwall Police application.
- Police Force Involvement: Devon and Cornwall Police and Avon and Somerset Police.
- Origin: Birchwood Road, Brixington, Exmouth, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Exley is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) within the Devon area. Due to the nature of the conduct in Exmouth, which involved allegations of strangulation, biting, and seeking caregiver roles to reach minors, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of using platforms like Reddit to target young girls requires the most intensive digital monitoring to ensure he does not pose a risk to the community.
As the subject of a Sexual Risk Order, Exley’s details are logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his predatory behaviour in Brixington requires permanent vigilance by offender management teams. Any attempt to contact children, use unauthorised online aliases, or engage in further aggressive behaviour toward women will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public and to uphold the protection of vulnerable individuals from harm.
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