A suspended jail sentence has been slapped on an Ottery St Mary man who last summer attacked a 57-year-old pub-goer.
Samuel Whitcombe, aged 46, of Brook Street, Ottery St Mary, admitted rowing with his victim at the back of The Kings Arms pub, where he pushed him into a wall, causing him to suffer a serious head injury and cardiac arrest.
Whitcombe was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 3, after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
He was handed an eight-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and must pay court costs.
Police identified Whitcombe after speaking to the victim from his hospital bed, who told how he had been attacked.
When officers watched pub CCTV, they saw how Whitcombe confronted his victim in Brook Street, near The Kings Arms. The pair rowed and Whitcombe was seen pushing the 57-year-old into a wall, causing a ‘significant’ head injury.
The court heard how on June 19, 2025 police were informed that a man had been in cardiac arrest and suffered a ‘nasty’ head injury
CCTV from nearby The Lamb and Flag pub, identified Whitcombe as the attacker. He later attended Exeter Police Station, where he was arrested.
Magistrates were told the victim suffered a bleed on the brain, a bruised skull and cuts, leaving him with ongoing string headaches and tingling leg.
Whitcombe also pleaded to possessing Class B drugs, which police discovered when they searched his home.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “Officers attended hospital and the victim described how he’d been assaulted.
“As a result, officers attended Brook Street and viewed CCTV footage.
“The footage showed the victim walking along Brook Street and approaching the rear of The Kings Arms when he was approached by Whitcombe.
“Following a verbal disagreement Whitcombe pushed the victim into a wall, causing a significant head injury.
“CCTV from The Lamb and Flag identified Whitcombe as the attacker. He later attended Exeter Police Station and was arrested.
“The victim’s injuries were a bleed on the brain, a bruise to the skull and a skin laceration. The victim continued to suffer strong headaches and leg tingling after the assault.”
The spokesperson added: “A search of Whitcombe’s house found Class B drugs for which he pleaded guilty to possessing.”
