CONVICTED (2019) | Connor McMillan, born c. 1996, of Aln Street, Ashington NE63 – stabbed his family’s dog in the neck after flying into a rage
McMillan stabbed the dog, named Bella, in the neck after flying into a rage when his girlfriend accused him of seeing someone else.
Bella was left with a three-inch wound and needed a £500 operation.
Prosecutor Claire Anderson told Newcastle Crown Court McMillan had smashed property inside the house and waved a knife around after losing his temper.
Miss Anderson said McMillan’s father suffered a slash to his forearm during the violence and had to restrain his son.
The prosecutor told the court: “The family dog Bella became protective. The dog was barking and jumping up.
“The defendant reacted by stabbing the dog in the neck, leaving a three inch wound.”
Miss Anderson said the animal was left with a “serious injury” and endured a “high level of suffering”.
McMillan admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assault, and criminal damage.
Judge Jeremy Freedman said it was a “terrifying incident” and that the father could have suffered serious injury when the blade was waved around.
Judge Freedman told McMillan: “What you did do was use that knife to stab the family dog.
“That is a particularly aggravating feature in this offending.
“I trust you are thoroughly ashamed of your actions.
“You could easily have killed the dog. As it was, you caused a serious laceration and the dog had to have surgery.
“I am told, thankfully, the dog fully recovered.”
Judge Freedman said McMillan is in need of help to “contain and control” his anger.
Sentencing: 28 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.
Update | November 2019
McMillan, now of Juliet Street, Ashington, was jailed for 17 months for affray and possessing a bladed article.
His latest conviction came after he and another man, Brian Spalding, slashed each other with knives in public in broad daylight.
Kate Barnes, for McMillan, said his offending had come about as a result of self-medicating with valium after being discharged from the army as a young man.
Miss Barnes said McMillan has been doing well in prison, where he had been helped by Jehovah’s Witnesses who have been visiting him twice a week and supporting him.