James Thornton spared jail after string of St Austell offences

A man who spent months targeting women in St Austell with threatening and confrontational behaviour has avoided a prison sentence, despite being held on remand ahead of his court appearance.

A string of offences in St Austell town centre

James Thornton was first arrested and charged on 4 April, after a series of incidents in St Austell town centre between late March and early April in which he behaved in a threatening and confrontational manner towards women. He was released on court bail, with sentencing due to follow on 4 August.

Bailed, then arrested again

That sentencing never happened as planned. While still on bail, Thornton was arrested and charged again, this time for using threatening behaviour towards a woman in the town and for breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO) that had just been imposed on him. The court remanded him in prison on 27 July, after what police described as numerous offences committed while on bail.

What happened in court

Thornton appeared at court for sentencing last Monday, 14 September. He was sentenced on five counts of public order offences and for breaching his CBO. The court chose not to add an extra prison term, and Thornton has now been released on a community order, made up of an alcohol, mental health and rehabilitation treatment requirement together with unpaid work.

The CBO itself remains in force for two years. Any further breach could result in a prison sentence.

“Violence, intimidation and harassment will not be tolerated”

Devon and Cornwall Police said the community order was a decision made by the court, not by officers, and that they are aware of the impact Thornton’s behaviour had on the local community, particularly the women who were exposed to it. The force said it presented a significant amount of evidence to the court detailing his offending and its effect on victims and witnesses.

“Violence, intimidation and harassment against women and girls will not be tolerated, and we will continue to pursue and take robust action against those responsible and put them before the courts,” the force said. “No one should be made to feel unsafe, threatened or intimidated where they live, work or visit.”

📷Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police