In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that 18-year-old Dylan Gambrell was identified as the dangerous predator responsible for the brutal rape of a 10-year-old girl. Following proceedings at Bristol Crown Court, the defendant—of Exmouth, Devon—admitted to rape, sexual assault, and strangling or choking with intent to sexually assault a child. It was reported that in October 2018, Gambrell, then 16, grabbed the schoolgirl from behind and dragged her to a grassy bank where he carried out a “vile” and life-threatening attack.
The investigation established that Gambrell strangled his victim until she passed out before leaving her unconscious in a stream to die. Devon and Cornwall Police reported that the defendant claimed he attacked the child because he was feeling “angry, scared, and lonely” and wanted someone else to feel as bad as he did. The prosecution reported that although a jury found him not guilty of attempted murder, his actions were described by the judiciary as violating the child in the most cruel and ugly way imaginable.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Gambrell exercised no restraint during his “rage” and remains a high ongoing sexual risk to young girls. Bristol Crown Court heard that the impact on the victim and her family was as bad as it could possibly get. The investigation established that Gambrell cycled home in Exmouth on 4 October 2018, specifically seeking out a victim to cause “emotional hurt and damage,” demonstrating a calculated and predatory mindset.
Mrs Justice May presided over the sentencing in November 2019, where she confirmed that Gambrell is legally “dangerous.” For his actions in Exmouth, Devon, Gambrell was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison, with an extended licence period of eight years. The judge noted that she had considered a life sentence, ultimately deciding on the extended term to ensure that he remains under strict supervision for at least 15 years and two months following his eventual release.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Dylan Gambrell as of March 2026 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 7 years and 2 months (Sentenced 2019; currently serving).
- Extended Licence: 8 additional years (Total 15-year and 2-month sentence structure).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order active indefinitely.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Bristol Crown Court, following a Devon and Cornwall Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape of a child under 13; Sexual assault; Choking with intent to commit a sexual offence.
- Origin: Exmouth, Devon.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Gambrell is managed as a high-risk Category 1 predator within the Devon area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the near-fatal strangulation and rape of a 10-year-old stranger, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his history of seeking out a victim to “transfer” his own emotional pain requires the most intensive level of psychiatric and digital monitoring by the Devon and Cornwall Police Public Protection Unit and the National Probation Service.
As a registered sex offender for life, Gambrell’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his behaviour demonstrated a depraved and violent fixation on children. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements, any presence near streams, parks, or schools in Exmouth, or any attempt to contact minors will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and the protection of the public from a confirmed dangerous offender.
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