CONVICTED (2023) | Corallena Loveridge, born c. 1990, of Fowler Height Close, Blackburn BB2 4RJ – stole a family’s pet dog during a home invasion.
Drug-addicted career criminal Corallena Loveridge, whose previous convictions include shoplifting, drink-driving and outraging public decency – stole a French bulldog and sold her on for drugs money.
Loveridge, a traveller, appeared at Preston Crown Court via video link from HMP Styal, where she had been on remand for the previous four months over a bail act offence.
The persistent criminal brazenly entered a property on Moorland Avenue in Blackburn on May 9, 2021, and took the dog, called Georgia, before leaving, and selling her for drugs money.
The court heard how the owner of the home, Julie Lightbrown, had been present in the house at the time, along with her children, when Loveridge went into the property, walked upstairs where Ms Lightbrown was, had an altercation with the victim, then took the dog and left.
Emma Kehoe, prosecuting said: “She put the dog in a taxi and left the property.
“In December, she then called the victim and said the dog had had puppies and was somewhere in Leeds.
“She said she would try and get the dog back but that never happened.”
A victim personal statement was read to the court, which said: “Georgia was our family pet. She was two and a half years old and was in season.
“I bought her for my children and she cost £2,500. It’s not about the value, however, it appears she was taken to be sold.
“The stress this has caused my children is huge and we are still suffering now, concerned about her welfare.
“Corallena Loveridge entered my house and took her and advised me that she would get her back but it’s not happened.”
Judge Simon Medland said: “The dog was taken to be turned into money and then turned into drugs – who knows what has happened to her now.
“There’s a considerable seriousness to this and it crosses custody threshold but it took the CPS and police a year to charge her.
“You, Corallena Loveridge must understand this behaviour is serious and has had a big impact.
“They do not know what has become of their dog, they don’t know whether she’s happy and healthy, dead, in trouble, or being used for breeding.
“This is not an offence you would have committed if you had been sober. You were intoxicated and a drug addict at the time.”
The court heard Loveridge had 15 convictions for 28 offences.
Sentencing | 14 month prison sentence suspended for 18 months; 20 rehabilitation activity days and six months of drug rehabilitation.
Omg look at the state of that. NASTY waste of a tree. I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE DRUG ADDICTS. I hope you get your come uppance.
The Police should have been much more help than this.
They could have Dealt with the matter of the Stolen Dog, that had actually been Robbed. Also should have put more effort into finding out where the poor little Dog had gone. Why did it take them over a Year To Prosecute, for Stealing Actually Robbing That Little Dog. I personally would have complained to the Police Complaints Commission, and I would have seen A Solicitor about it also.
As for the one who Committed The Offence.
She is obviously Mentally Disturbed, has many issues and clearly needs help for Drug and Alcohol Addictions.
The Dog I presume is Microchipped, and should be Reported as Stolen, to The Police, RSPCA, The Microchipping Body, all over Social Media, and also I personally would put this, and The Dogs Photographs all over Social Media and in The Local and National Newspapers. That way they have a possible chance to get the Dog Back.
They could also personally take that Person Who Committed The Offence, To The Small Claims Court . For The Money They Paid For The Dog, and For The Vaccinations, and The Microchipping Costs, That They Have Paid Out On Vets Fees.
I’m baffled as to why they allowed her into their house in the first place.Or let her drive off in a taxi. The taxi would have a record of the destination and fare and they knew who she was.