CONVICTED (2020) | Sarah Joanne Meredith, born c. 1979, most recently of Upper Brassey Street, Birkenhead CH41 0AQ but now said to be of no fixed address – performed a sex act on a dog as unidentified men laughed and egged her on

Meredith claimed she was “forced” to perform the sex acts on a Patterdale terrier by men the judge described as “grotesque”.

The court heard that Meredith had taken Philip Thomas’s dog for a walk when she abused the animal.

Paula Groggan, prosecuting, told the court that police were made aware of the incident after a video of the act was sent to the dog’s owner.

They arrived at his address where he showed officers the video – after which he was charged with possessing extreme pornography and admitted the offence in court.

Ms Groggan explained that there were two video clips. In one, a male is seen holding the dog underneath its front legs while Meredith is “egged on” to perform the act.

The second video shows Meredith performing a different sex act on the dog.

In both videos people who do not appear on the video can be heard laughing.

The court heard that after taking the dog for a walk for Thomas, who suffers from mobility issues, Meredith told his mother she had “done something really bad” but would not divulge what.

In interview she told officers that while in the park two males, who she refused to name, threatened her with violence and told her to perform a sex act on the dog.

Meredith told officers the men spat on her and explained she wasn’t aware she was being filmed.

Ms Groggan said: “She was ashamed and disgusted in herself for doing it.”

She confirmed that the dog was seized and after being examined by a vet suffered no physical injuries, but Ms Groggan noted that during the video it appears distressed.

The court heard Meredith has a “lengthy record”.

Meredith pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

District Judge James Hatton, sentencing, acknowledged Meredith had faced a “number of issues “including “significant mental health issues” and “significant drug abuse”.

The judge also commented on her “traumatic experiences” which “has no doubt contributed to the fact you have started using heroin again and struggling with your mental health”.

District Judge Hatton said: “That animal was treated appallingly.”

The judge accepted that the offence crossed the threshold of custody, but said that Meredith is also “vulnerable” and was victimised by the “grotesque” men who have not yet faced prosecution.

The judge said: “You are also a victim, you were also abused in a sickening manner by those individuals.”

Philip Thomas faced charges in connection with possession and distribution of the video showing Meredith abusing his dog. In October 2020 he too received a suspended prison sentence and was ordered to carry out a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Sentencing: 16-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months; 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements; costs and charges of £213. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires September 2025).

Liverpool Echo