EXETER MAN MICHAEL CONWAY INVOLVED IN CHILD ABDUCTION AND DRUG INCIDENT AT HIS FLAT

In November 2014, a serious incident unfolded in Exeter involving Michael Conway, a man whose actions drew police attention and led to a life-threatening situation. The police were called to Conway's residence after a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, who was in foster care, was reported missing and was believed to have visited his flat. The authorities' intervention was prompted by concerns over her well-being and her recent disappearance from her foster home.

Upon arriving at Conway's flat in Exeter, officers discovered the teenage girl under the influence of cannabis. She was found in a distressed state, tearful and appearing intoxicated. Inside the flat, police also encountered Conway, who was found in a half-naked condition, face down on the sofa with his trousers around his ankles. The officers quickly assessed the situation and took immediate action to save Conway's life after he collapsed, having apparently taken a mixture of legal highs and cannabis, which led to a seizure or a severe medical episode.

Conway was unresponsive when police arrived, and they had to perform CPR for approximately 20 minutes, administering heart massage and artificial respiration in an effort to revive him. During this critical period, officers managed to stabilize him, and he was subsequently transported to hospital for further treatment. The incident highlighted the dangerous combination of substance abuse and the presence of a vulnerable minor in his home.

The police investigation revealed that Conway had been issued a police order a few weeks prior, explicitly banning him from any contact with the girl. This order was a result of prior concerns raised by her carers, who had observed her visiting Conway's residence daily. Despite the warning, Conway continued to associate with her, which raised serious questions about his intentions and conduct. The girl herself described Conway as a 'money daddy,' indicating that he often gave her cash or presents, although he insisted that their relationship was not sexual and likened himself to a surrogate grandfather.

Further scrutiny uncovered that Conway had been seen waiting in a car near her special educational unit, attempting to pick her up, which was a violation of the police order. The authorities also found evidence of drug use within the flat, including a bong, a small quantity of cannabis, and a legal high called Herbal Haze. The girl told officers that Conway had mentioned he was going to have a 'shottie,' a slang term for a dose of legal highs, and that he had engaged in inappropriate behavior before passing out.

Conway, residing on Hanover Close in Exeter, faced charges of child abduction and possession of controlled substances. During his court appearance at Exeter Crown Court, Judge Erik Salomonsen sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to undergo two years of supervision. The judge also imposed a ban on any further contact with the girl, emphasizing that although the incident was not a typical abduction, Conway's actions had kept the girl away from her lawful carers, which was a serious breach of trust and responsibility.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Salomonsen pointed out that Conway's behavior was not merely a matter of poor judgment but involved deliberate violations of police warnings. He described Conway as dishonest and obstructive, seeking to implicate the victim in the offending. The judge highlighted that Conway's drug use and the incident that led to his collapse demonstrated a reckless disregard for his own health and safety, as well as the safety of the girl. The court's decision reflected the gravity of the situation and the need to protect vulnerable minors from individuals who pose a risk to their well-being.