JONATHAN GRANT FROM EXETER AND BARNSTAPLE JAILED FOR CHILD KIDNAPPING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several months, Jonathan Grant, a man with no fixed address but previously residing in Exeter, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes involving a minor in the Devon area, specifically Barnstaple and Exeter.

In May 2014, Grant, aged 33, was sentenced to a total of 64 months in prison after admitting to kidnapping and engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl. The offences occurred in Barnstaple last December, and his arrest followed shortly thereafter. During an earlier hearing at Exeter Crown Court, Grant pleaded guilty to both charges, which resulted in concurrent sentences of 64 months each. Additionally, he received a two-year extension on his license period, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the need for continued supervision upon release.

Prior to this, in February 2014, Grant, then 32, appeared before Judge Francis Gilbert QC at Exeter Crown Court to admit guilt for abducting and sexually abusing a girl in Barnstaple on Boxing Day. The court heard that Grant had pleaded guilty to charges of sexual touching of a girl under 16 and child abduction. The judge decided to adjourn sentencing to allow for a psychiatric assessment, including an evaluation of Grant’s potential danger to the public. At that time, Grant was known to have a permanent address at a hostel on St David’s Hill in Exeter but was reportedly living rough or staying temporarily with friends in Barnstaple during the period of the offences, which took place between Christmas Day and December 28 of the previous year.

Further back, in December 2013, Grant appeared in court over allegations of attempted rape and unlawful detention of a child. He was accused of detaining a girl under the age of 16 in Barnstaple on December 26 and attempting to rape her between December 25 and 28. Grant, then 32, was remanded in custody by magistrates and was scheduled to appear at Exeter Crown Court on January 23 to face these serious charges. Throughout these proceedings, Grant was identified as having no fixed address but was previously associated with St David’s Hill in Exeter, highlighting his transient lifestyle during the period of these offences.

The series of cases against Jonathan Grant underscores the grave nature of his crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address child exploitation and abuse in the Devon region. His multiple appearances in court and subsequent sentencing reflect the judicial system’s stance on protecting minors and ensuring offenders are held accountable for their actions.