ROBERT NEWMAN SENT TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING GOAT IN DEVIZES

In a case that has shocked the local community of Devizes, Robert Newman, a 23-year-old man from Potterne Road, was sentenced to prison after admitting to engaging in a sexual act with a goat. The incident, which occurred between April 5 and April 16, took place during nighttime hours on a farm, specifically inside a barn. The details of the case were presented during a hearing at the North West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court in Chippenham, where Newman appeared for sentencing on August 19.

According to a statement read out from the owner of the farm, the consequences of Newman’s actions have been significant and far-reaching. The farm owner expressed concern over the safety and security of the property, stating, “My husband is worried about my being on the property on my own.” The owner also highlighted the financial impact of the incident, revealing that the farm had to invest in additional security measures and cover veterinary bills, which added to the distress caused by Newman’s conduct.

For his actions, Newman was sentenced to six weeks in prison. Additionally, he received an extra two-week sentence for breaching a previously imposed suspended sentence, which was related to a separate incident of dwelling burglary. During the period he was on bail, Newman was subject to strict conditions, including a curfew from 7 pm to 7 am and a prohibition from entering any land where farm animals are kept.

Defense lawyer Anna Ellery requested that the court consider adjourning the case to allow for a psychiatric assessment, citing the absence of aggravating factors in the offense. She emphasized that there was no evidence of the activity being recorded or circulated through pictures or videos. Ellery argued that Newman’s mental health could be a relevant factor, describing him as a young man suffering from isolation and mentioning issues related to memory loss, which she believed he was working to overcome. She also pointed out that this was a first-time offense and an isolated incident, suggesting that a psychiatric report could help determine his capacity to cope with the sentence.

Ellery also addressed Newman’s previous conviction for burglary, which occurred on August 31. She explained that the burglary involved entering an empty premises with friends, and the only items taken were three newspaper flyers. She clarified that Newman was aware the premises was unoccupied but acknowledged that technically it was a dwelling house.

Towards the conclusion of the hearing, Newman’s own statement was read aloud, expressing remorse and a desire to reconcile with his family. He stated, “I don’t want to be this bad person any more. I just want to get on with my life and do good. I want to stand before you today and then get on with my life.”

Despite the defense’s plea for a psychiatric report, the magistrates decided against it. Magistrate Jennifer Nesbitt addressed Newman directly, saying, “You have heavily breached all court orders that have been handed to you. This is your second breach of your suspended court order.” She then sentenced him to eight weeks in prison, with six weeks to be served concurrently for the current offense, as the court considered this an isolated incident. Furthermore, Newman was ordered to register as a sex offender, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the court’s stance on such conduct.