CONVICTED (2020) | Philip Thomas, born c. 1960, of Beckwith Street, Birkenhead – sent videos of a sex act being performed on his pet dog
A magistrate branded Philip Thomas as “depraved” for possessing the videos, which showed his dog walker, Sarah Joanne Meredith, performing a sex act on his Patterdale Terrier, Buddy.
When Thomas received the videos to his phone his partner called police and he was subsequently charged for possessing extreme pornography.
Sarah Meredith was spared jail in September 2020 for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Thomas also faced a charge of handling stolen goods in relation to motorcycles.
Angela Blackmore, prosecuting, explained Merseyside Police received a call explaining Thomas possessed the videos.
Ms Blackmore said: “Having been arrested and taken to Wirral Custody Suite in relation to the matter he indicated the female had taken the dog for a walk and returning saying ‘I’ve done something really bad.'”
Ms Blackmore explained that in interview Thomas said he didn’t contact Meredith, but said he “was going to assault her next time he saw her”.
She explained Thomas admitted forwarding the images.
The court heard Thomas has previous convictions dating between 2003 and 2018 including convictions for dishonesty and breaching court orders.
The court heard his last conviction was in May 2018 for begging.
The court heard that after receiving the video police were called within hours. Having been charged for possessing the extreme pornographic videos Thomas learnt he was also charged for handling stolen goods.
However, after failing to attend his trial Thomas was convicted in his absence.
Sentencing, chair magistrates Peter Ashworth said: “We view this as a very serious offence. A very serious and depraved offence.
“The dog was rightly taken away from you.”
Sentencing: eight-week custodial sentence which was suspended for 18 months; 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements; costs and charges totalling £637.