STUART BLACKWELL AND HIS SHOCKING ATTACKS IN TOWCESTER AND BIDEFORD

Stuart Blackwell, a 58-year-old man residing in Towcester, became the focus of a serious criminal incident that unfolded both inside and outside a nightclub, leaving witnesses and the local community alarmed.

The incident began inside Caesar's Palace, a popular nightclub located in Bideford, Devon. Blackwell's behavior on that night was described as highly unsettling and invasive. He attempted to initiate conversation with a woman using cheesy chat-up lines, which she clearly brushed off, standing with friends. The situation escalated when Blackwell walked past her and resorted to physical assault by slapping and squeezing her bottom. This aggressive act was captured clearly on CCTV footage, showing the woman jumping away in shock and discomfort. Despite her efforts to disregard his advances, Blackwell persisted in pestering her, prompting her to seek assistance from the nightclub’s door staff.

The staff responded promptly by ejecting Blackwell from the premises. However, the ordeal was far from over. Approximately half an hour later, despite being removed earlier, Blackwell returned to the vicinity of the nightclub armed with a baseball bat. CCTV footage captured him in a crowded area outside Caesar's Palace, holding up the weapon in a manner that suggested he was prepared to use it. His actions drew immediate attention, and four bouncers intervened swiftly to restrain him. They managed to disarm and hold him until police arrived at the scene.

It later emerged that Blackwell had a controversial past, having previously served a 26-month sentence for a sexual assault committed in 2015. At that time, he was residing in Launcelot Close, and his assault left a teenage girl deeply frightened, making her afraid to go out alone. Her victim statement highlighted the unsettling nature of Blackwell’s actions, stating, "He was a total stranger and the fact he was so much older than me makes it even creepier."

Following his release, Blackwell moved to Towcester and now resides on St Lawrence Road South. His latest encounter prompted legal proceedings, and at Exeter Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. Judge Peter Johnson sentenced him to nine weeks in jail, though suspended for a year, and mandated his attendance at a sex offenders program.

Judge Johnson emphasized the serious impact of Blackwell’s conduct, remarking, "This was extremely upsetting to the victim and had a permanent effect on her. The contact was short-lived but it was sexual contact nonetheless. It is an aggravating feature that the offence with the baseball bat outside the club was in a crowd of people and created a substantial risk of serious disorder."

Prosecutor Herc Ashworth detailed the night’s events, noting that the trouble began in the smoking area of the nightclub late in December when Blackwell approached the woman. Ashworth recounted Blackwell’s lewd comments, saying, "The defendant told her 'I'd recognise an arse like that anywhere. You'd be welcome at my place any time'." Despite the woman’s attempt to dismiss his remarks with laughter, Blackwell’s behavior grew more invasive. He returned, slapped and squeezed her bottom with a smirk on his face, and continued to bother her until she sought help from security.

Blackwell’s return with the baseball bat marked a dangerous escalation. He was quickly disarmed and restrained by four door staff members before police arrested him. During questioning, he claimed to have intended to assault the doormen with the bat.

His defense lawyer, Ian Graham, argued that Blackwell did not fully comprehend why he was thrown out initially and claimed that he took the bat for self-protection. Graham also explained that Blackwell had recently moved away from Devon to be closer to his family and was currently living on benefits while dealing with mental health issues. Despite these circumstances, the court made it clear that Blackwell’s conduct, especially involving the weapon in a crowded public space, was of serious concern, emphasizing the threat posed to the public and the victim.