Sidmouth: Man jailed after assaults and arson in Beer

A man who assaulted three people before setting fire to commercial fishing units in Beer has been jailed.

Dean Heron appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday, November 15 where he was sentenced to three years in prison and given a five-year restraining order not to contact one of the victims and not to visit the village of Beer upon release.

The 34-year-old of Fore Street, Seaton, was charged on Thursday, June 16 with arson, three counts of assault and two counts of affray. Heron pleaded guilty to the charges on Friday, June 17 after being remanded in custody.

The court heard how on Wednesday, June 15, Heron had entered the Barrel of Beer public house in Beer and launched an assault on two people which resulted in no injury.

He then assaulted a tourist who was sat enjoying a drink with his partner, which caused fear and panic throughout the pub. The tourist received a minor injury.

After committing the assaults, Heron walked to Sea Hill and intentionally set alight the fisherman's units, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

DC Michele Green from Exeter CID said: "I would like to thank the community of Beer for coming together to support police and provide evidence of the offences that Heron committed during the evening of Wednesday, June 15.

"The strength of the evidence secured an early guilty plea, thus saving the victims from having to give evidence at trial.

"The arson has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, impacted businesses and people's livelihoods, not to mention the loss of many sentimental items.

"I would personally like to thank the community in allowing me to speak with them and providing me with impact statements which detail the losses they suffered.

"It will take time to recover, but the strength of community spirit with help them through. This is an isolated incident and Beer remains a beautiful place in Devon to live and visit.

"If anyone is affected, please do not hesitate to contact the Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900."