Three men have been sentenced to prison following a coordinated kidnapping and violent assault on a man after he was lured with the promise of a lift from a cemetery in Cornwall. The attack, which took place last year, left the victim with severe injuries and has shocked the local community.
Key Takeaways
- Three offenders given prison sentences totalling over ten years.
- The victim was ambushed at Launceston Cemetery and subjected to a premeditated assault.
- The attackers were swiftly apprehended through police investigation and phone data analysis.
The Orchestrated Attack
In June of the previous year, the victim was contacted by Ryan Hawke, an individual known to him, who offered him a ride from Launceston Cemetery. The arrangement was ostensibly to drop the victim at his ex-partner’s residence. However, after several stops, Hawke parked the vehicle at Dunsland car park in Devon late in the evening.
At this point, Hawke took the vehicle keys and immobilised his passenger, indicating he was not to leave. Suddenly, two masked men appeared, ordering the victim from the car. One of the assailants, later identified as Connor Stevens, assaulted the victim with a claw hammer. The attack quickly escalated as the third man, Kai Abbott, joined in, resulting in a brutal and sustained assault.
Victim’s Ordeal and Rescue
Following the attack, both assailants fled the scene, leaving the victim gravely injured. He managed to hide in nearby woods but soon collapsed and was only discovered the following day by a passer-by. Emergency services responded promptly, and first aid was administered. Medical scans revealed the victim had suffered multiple fractures to his head and legs, as well as extensive bruising.
Investigation and Sentencing
A swift police investigation utilised phone data analysis, placing all three men at the scene during the time of the attack. The men were identified and arrested soon after the incident.
The sentences handed out were as follows:
| Name | Crime(s) | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Connor Stevens | Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Robbery, Possession of Offensive Weapon | 6.5 years |
| Ryan Hawke | Kidnap | 3.5 years |
| Kai Abbott | Affray | 15 months |
A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesperson condemned the violence, emphasising that such premeditated attacks would not be tolerated and that the sentences are intended as both justice for the victim and a warning against similar crimes.
Community Response and Safety
The case has stirred concern in the wider North Devon and Cornwall communities, with renewed calls for vigilance against violent crime. Authorities are urging anyone with information on criminal activity in the region to come forward, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to community safety.
References
- Three men jailed after kidnapping and assault from Cornwall, Falmouth Packet.
Scott Calland is a highly regarded content specialist with an English Degree. He has a passion for creating compelling content as a UK journalist that engages, informs, and entertains readers. With over 10 years of experience in creating news publications as a reporter, Scott has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how to craft content that resonates with audiences. Working closely with data analysts Scott’s research on topics is unrivalled for latest news updates.
Cornwall Cemetery Attack: Three Jailed After Kidnapping and Violent Assault