CONVICTED (2018) | Matthew Thyne Hammond, born 22/10/1985, most recently of Thorniewhats Farm, Canonbie DG14 0SQ – punched and kicked a Jack Russell terrier to death because she didn’t want to walk with him
Hammond, who is originally from High Street, North Berwick, East Lothian, and at the time of his court hearing was said to be living in Scotland Street, Carlisle, drunkenly attacked the unnamed two-year-old dog. Concerned neighbours called police after hearing the Jack Russell’s distressed yelping and squeals.
Hammond was seen attacking the tiny dog and dragging her along the street for a hundred yards.
The brutal incident happened at 5.30am as Hammond, who had been staying with friends overnight after being out drinking, had been walking to his home in a caravan with his Jack Russell and a bull terrier belonging to his partner.
Police traced him to the caravan where the dead pet was lying in a blanket on the floor and they arranged a post mortem.
Hammond’s solicitor said the incident had had a “catastrophic” effect on her client’s working life.
He has left his job as a stable assistant with James Ewart Racing in Langholm. A jockey with links to Micky Hammond Racing, he has given up ownership of a horse and has no contact with animals of any kind.
Sentence: community payback order. Banned from keeping any animals for just three years (expired).