Three men were locked up last week at Exeter Crown Court for a savage kidnap and assault in Holsworthy, Devon. The terrifying attack happened in June 2024 and left the victim fighting for his life.
Six and a Half Years for Hammer-Wielding Thug
- Connor Stevens, 24, of Holsworthy, smashed the victim repeatedly with a claw hammer. Convicted of Section 18 GBH, robbery, and weapon possession, he was slapped with a hefty six-and-a-half-year sentence.
- Ryan Hawke, 33, from Scotland, arranged the kidnap. He got three-and-a-half years for the kidnap charge.
- Kai Abbott, 26, of Bideford, was convicted of affray and handed a 15-month custodial sentence.
How the Attack Unfolded
Hawke, known to the victim, lured him into a trap under the guise of a lift to retrieve a vehicle from an ex-partner’s home. After picking him up at Launceston Cemetery, Hawke made several stops before pulling over at Dunsland carpark around 9pm.
He then snatched the car keys and told the victim he wasn’t leaving. Two masked men, including Stevens, forced the victim out of the car. Stevens then unleashed a brutal hammer attack while Abbott joined in the sustained assault.
Hawke fled, leaving the victim battered. The victim managed to flee into nearby woods but collapsed. He was found the next day by a passerby and rushed to North Devon Hospital with head and leg fractures and widespread bruising.
Police Hunt and Community Message
Police launched a swift investigation, arresting all three soon after. Phone data confirmed their presence at the crime scene, sealing their fate.
“The violence used in this pre-planned attack has no place on the streets of North Devon,” DC Sam Jones said. “These sentences send a clear message to criminals and show our commitment to community safety.”
If you have information or want to report a crime, head to the Devon & Cornwall Police website or call 101. For emergencies, dial 999. You can also report crimes anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
