FELIX REILLY'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN EXETER AND OTTERTON: SEXUAL PREDATOR CAUGHT AND JAILED

In December 2016, a disturbing incident unfolded in the town of Exmouth, involving Felix Reilly, a football coach with connections to Exeter and Otterton. Reilly, aged 30 and residing at Maunders Place, Otterton, was responsible for a terrifying assault on a teenage girl that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation.

According to reports, Reilly had spent the afternoon prior to the incident browsing explicit websites related to sex and prostitution. Early in the morning, he took to the streets in his vehicle, which CCTV footage later revealed was circling the town centre of Exmouth for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, he was observed following a young girl, who was making her way home alone.

Over the course of ten minutes, Reilly continued to trail her, his vehicle moving slowly as he kept her under surveillance. The situation escalated when he finally attempted to abduct her near the police station in Exmouth. Despite her desperate resistance, the offender forcibly dragged her into his car. The victim struggled fiercely, kicking and screaming for help, as Reilly pushed her leg inside the vehicle and slammed the door shut.

Remarkably, she managed to open the door again and escape from the vehicle. Reilly, however, was not deterred and attempted to re-engage her by pushing her back inside. It was only when he had entered the driver’s seat and was about to drive away that the girl seized her chance and ran off to safety.

Further investigations revealed that Reilly’s online activity in the hours leading up to the attack included visits to numerous sexual and escort service websites. Prosecutors suggested that this pattern of internet use indicated premeditation and planning for an attack or abduction. The CCTV footage provided clear evidence of his suspicious behavior, with the car seen crawling around the town centre and following the victim for a significant period.

Reilly’s actions included physical contact beyond the initial pursuit, as he was reported to have rubbed his hand against the girl’s private parts over her clothing during the incident. The struggle inside the vehicle was intense, but the victim’s resilience ultimately led to her escape. The incident occurred at around 4 am, a time when the town centre was relatively quiet, adding to the gravity of the offense.

Following his arrest and subsequent court proceedings, Felix Reilly admitted to charges of sexual assault. During his trial at Exeter Crown Court, Judge Graham Cottle sentenced him to 18 months in prison. The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, describing the experience as “terribly terrifying” for the young girl, who was simply trying to get home safely.

Judge Cottle also highlighted the evidence of Reilly’s online activity, which suggested premeditation, and the fact that the assault took place in a public area during early morning hours. The victim’s personal statement was read aloud in court, revealing her profound fear and the long-term psychological impact the incident might have on her.

Prosecutor Mr. Peter Coombe pointed out that Reilly’s behavior was indicative of a dangerous individual, noting that he had engaged in planning by browsing sexual websites earlier that day. The physical struggle and the victim’s resistance underscored the seriousness of the offense.

In response to the verdict, Detective Constable Georgina Gainford expressed her appreciation for the victim’s bravery. She stated, “This was clearly a frightening and traumatic incident and I thank the victim for her strength and bravery in coming forward to the police.” She further confirmed that Reilly was now on the sex offenders register and had been sentenced to serve time in custody, reflecting the justice served for this heinous act.