September 2025 has seen Somerset courts hand down significant sentences to a range of criminals responsible for appalling acts — from horrific sexual assaults to dangerous driving and violent abuse. Here is a summary of the most impactful cases that have brought justice to victims and communities alike.
Shaun Bundy, 41, of Frome, was sentenced to eight years for raping a woman at her home. Despite initially denying the crime and forcing his victim to endure two trials, DNA evidence secured his conviction. He will remain on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.
Andrew Westwick, 59, from Pilton near Glastonbury, was jailed for over two years after police seized cannabis worth £28,500 from his home and vehicle. The drugs were notably packaged with Willy Wonka Bar branding, but his sentencing was anything but whimsical.
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Braden Lynam, 22, from Trowbridge, received nearly five years in prison for a terrifying act of road rage. After a confrontation in Salisbury, Lynam intentionally drove his car at two pedestrians, causing life-altering injuries. He was also banned from driving for five years.
Aaron Cheetham, 37, from Weston-super-Mare, was imprisoned for 10 months following a conviction for coercive control and intentional strangulation of his partner. His year-long abuse included threats, isolation, and severe physical harm, leading to a 10-year restraining order.
Grant Turner, 38, of Bristol, was sent to prison for six months for burgling a convenience store and stealing a large quantity of cigarettes. He was ordered to pay over £2,100 in compensation to the affected business.
Liam Nicholl, 25, also from Weston-super-Mare, was sentenced to 20 months after pleading guilty to intentionally strangling, beating, and harassing a woman, as well as causing damage to police property.
Drew Philippidis, 25, from Nailsworth near the Cotswolds, was jailed for 34 months after a reckless speeding incident badly injured three passengers, including two teenagers. His dangerous driving ended in a crash that left one young man with career-ending spinal damage. Philippidis fled the scene but was caught the following day.
Marcin Janikowski, 39, of Trowbridge, received a 16.5-year sentence for raping two women, with offenses a decade apart. He will serve 13.5 years in custody followed by three years on licence, along with a restraining order.
Jake Cummings, 26, a former Metropolitan Police officer from Stevenage, was handed a 16-year sentence with a two-year extension for multiple offences including rape, coercive control, voyeurism, and stalking. His crimes spanned nearly five years and betrayed the trust vested in him as a law enforcement officer.
These cases underline the determination of Somerset’s justice system to hold perpetrators accountable and protect the vulnerable.