#MostEvil | Lindsey ‘Lyn’ Stoneham, born 28 April 1962, of Llwyncelyn, Bettws, Bridgend CF32 8RU – battered his Jack Russell terrier Tom over the head causing fatal injuries.
Lindsey Stoneham, who has a previous conviction for VAT fraud for which he was jailed for three-and-a-half years, was found guilty of animal cruelty following a trial.
The offence concerned subjecting Tom to unnecessary suffering through blunt force trauma.
Stoneham had phoned a veterinary practice on 14 March 2018 in Bridgend asking for them to put Tom to sleep. He claimed the dog had behavioural problems, but refused to pay the £130 quoted, and instead said he would “take the dog to the farmer”.
Little over two weeks later – on 31 March – Stoneham attended the same veterinary practice with the dog, claiming Tom had been hit by several cars. However, the Jack Russell Terrier was found to be in immaculate condition apart from a single hole in his head, arousing suspicion and prompting an RSPCA investigation.
Tom was smothered in blood from the wound and his eyes were flickering.
Sadly, the extent of the dog’s open head wound meant he had to be put to sleep immediately to prevent further suffering. Vets later confirmed that the injuries were completely inconsistent with a road traffic accident.
A post-mortem revealed that the dog had been struck by a blunt force instrument which was likely to have caused significant trauma. Bruising was also evident to Tom’s head, where fingers were used to hold the head still.
RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper said: “The treatment of poor Tom and the horrific treatment and immense suffering he endured is so upsetting.
“It was claimed that Tom had been involved in a car accident – but the injuries were found to be wholly inconsistent with such a chain of events.
“Tom, instead, was found to have been subjected to blunt force trauma to the head.
“Sadly, the dog was clearly in immense pain when taken to a veterinary practice with blood all over his body – and he had to be put to sleep immediately.
“This was a lengthy and complex case, but at least we were able to ensure some justice for Tom, who sadly paid such a high price for the mistreatment he faced.”
Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence suspended for one year; total of £2,150 costs and charges. Four-year ban on keeping any animals (expires August 2023). Deprivation order on two shire horses.
You need to be treated the same way you treated your poor dog
He should have had a life ban on keeping animals, not that stupid 4 yrs. he will be out in 2 yrs to do it all over again to some poor animal.
This ain’t true it all bull shit u want to keep ur opinion to urself he a good man he would never hurt a animal
Really!!!
Funny how he still owns 2 shire horses tho and threatens to have the meat man take them when they get lame instead of phoning the vet !!!
What’s the truth then Nathan ?
Animal cruelty sentences are too lenient. They should be enough to make people think twice about what they are doing. Put heavy fines in place., so the perpetrator will have to pay for the rest of their life or a heavy prison sentence. Do not allow them to have anymore animals.
I totally agree