Category Archives: Worst of the Worst

The most heinous UK animal cruelty cases of recent times. The names of these truly evil men and women must NEVER be forgotten.

Skelmersdale, West Lancashire: Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne

CONVICTED | mother and son Susan Shaw, born 10 April 1964, and Jack Wynne, born 13 November 1993, of Blakehall, Skelmersdale WN8 9AZ – starved one dog to death and seriously neglected another.

RSPCA prosecution of dog killers Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

The body of French bulldog Gucci was found in a mummified state in the bath. She weighed just 3.5kg – around a third of the average weight of a healthy dog of her breed.

RSPCA prosecution of dog killers Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

Officers then found Violet, who was severely dehydrated and malnourished. At 7.6kg she was also significantly underweight.

The dogs’ feeding bowls were dry and there was no water for them.

An expert vet witness said in a statement read to the court that Violet “was shaking and when offered water drank it quickly.”

RSPCA prosecution of dog killers Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

A second vet who examined Violet found that she was underweight and had issues with her eyes and skin.

RSPCA prosecution of dog killers Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

Within three months of vet treatment she gained over 3kg (6.6lb) in weight and her eyes and skin started to improve.

Shaw and Wynne pleaded guilty to five animal welfare offences each.

A snake and a fish were also found at the property and were signed over to the RSPCA’s care.

Sentencing |
Shaw: 26-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Wynne: three-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. They were both ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.
Both are banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Manchester Evening News
Lancashire Telegraph

Gravesend, North West Kent: Javel Pilgrim

CONVICTED (2024) | Javel Pilgrim, born 14 November 1999, of Saint Gregory’s Crescent, Gravesend, but with links to the Hackney and Barking areas of London – caught on camera abusing his pet dog.

RSPCA prosecution of violent dog abuser Javel Pilgrim, previously of Barking London and now Gravesend in Kent.

Pilgram, who according to his LinkedIn profile works as a “program development professional”, admitted the physical abuse and neglect of his pet dog, Tessa, in a case brought by the RSPCA.

The incident, which took place on January 25, 2023, saw Pilgrim, who at the time lived on Maybury Road, Barking, lift Tessa up before hurling her from height onto the ground.

RSPCA prosecution of violent dog abuser Javel Pilgrim, previously of Barking London and now Gravesend in Kent.

A vet who viewed the video after it was reported to the RSPCA commented: “The person does not drop the dog by accident but throws it with intent and force enough to propel it a considerable distance from him.”

“The clip shows him positioning the dog behind him to enable him to throw the dog effectively. The energy required in my opinion and experience in handling dogs, was very large to throw the dog the distance seen, and the intent was to harm the dog.

“There is no sign … that the dog was trying to bite the person, or that the man was acting in self-defence. He is not seen attending to the dog immediately afterwards, suggesting that he failed to prevent further suffering by not checking for injuries.”

When RSPCA animal rescue officer Bryan Taylor visited Pilgrim, he discovered Tessa living in the garden. She was removed from the property with consent and taken for a veterinary examination on January 26, 2023.

The vet found her to be underweight at 15.9kg, scoring three out of nine on the body condition scale. She had sustained injuries, staining, and calluses on her lower limbs, as well as fractured teeth.

RSPCA prosecution of violent dog abuser Javel Pilgrim, previously of Barking London and now Gravesend in Kent.

A vet stated: “This injury could have occurred when the owner threw her onto the ground- it is common for injuries to the carpus (wrist) to be caused by falling from a height. The graze on her carpus could have occurred at the same time.”

“The damage to Tessa’s teeth could also have occurred when she was thrown.

“We treated Tessa with a painkiller and a diet plan to help her gain weight.

“On February 2, her weight had increased to 16.7kg. Her cough resolved with this treatment and she is not showing any signs of lameness.”

“We also noted that while Tessa was very well behaved with female members of staff she showed signs of fear aggression (e.g. lunging when cornered) with some of our male staff members- suggesting that her previous mistreatment has made her fearful of men”.

Speaking about the case, RSPCA inspector Shahnaz Ahmad, who was in charge of the investigation for the animal welfare charity, commented: “Pilgrim inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on Tessa. There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order, with 15 days of “rehabilitation”; £80 fine and £114 victim surcharge. Indefinite ban.

London Post
EssexLive

Mauchline, East Ayrshire: Daryl Torrance

CONVICTED (2024) | Daryl Torrance, born 12 October 1989, of Sorn Street, Catrine, Mauchline – locked his dog inside a crate with “food out of reach and no water” for several days.

Prosecution of dog killer Daryl Torrance from Mauchline, East Ayrshire

After receiving an anonymous complaint, Scottish SPCA officers who broke into Torrance’s home were met with “an overpowering stench of ammonia in the stairwell”.

The court heard that the officers discovered the dog “in an emaciated and collapsed state”.

Prosecution of dog killer Daryl Torrance from Mauchline, East Ayrshire

The pet, a male brindle and white crossbreed, was locked in a crate lying on a blanket soaked in urine and covered in faeces.

In the opposite corner of the crate was a bowl of untouched dog food that he would have been “unable to reach” and no water.

Prosecution of dog killer Daryl Torrance from Mauchline, East Ayrshire

The court heard that the dog was so weak he couldn’t lift his head and had to be euthanised due to extreme suffering.

A microchip revealed that Torrance – a self-employed painter and decorator – was the registered owner of the pet.

Prosecution of dog killer Daryl Torrance from Mauchline, East Ayrshire

Alistair Duncan, assistant procurator fiscal for North Strathclyde, said: “This was an appalling example of animal cruelty. This poor dog was left abandoned for a significant period and suffered the terrible consequences of Daryl Torrance’s shocking neglect.

“The law protects animals from harm and COPFS will continue to work robustly to ensure anyone who breaks the law faces prosecutorial action.”

Sentencing | six months in prison. Banned from owning animals for ten years.

Scottish SPCA\
Scottish Sun

Tywyn, Gwynedd, North Wales: Aled Roberts

CONVICTED (2024) | Aled Wyn Roberts, born 6 May 1991, most recently of High Street, Tywyn, but originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire – beat a puppy before choking him to death after the ‘novelty’ of owning a dog wore off.

Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales

Roberts admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a black collie called Twm by inflicting blunt force trauma and violence including strangulation.

Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales

Prosecuting counsel Gareth Bellis said Roberts was described by a friend as having a history of failing to care properly for animals. He would leave them in cages and forget about them at his dirty and grubby flat. Roberts didn’t know a hamster was dead in a cage.

He had also allegedly smacked his cats.

Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales
Details of Aled Roberts’ horrific cruelty towards a defenceless puppy were shared across social media with one animal lover starting a petition to demand justice
Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales
Some disturbing allegations were made about both Roberts himself as well as his mother

Mr Bellis said, during a video call with a woman in April 2023, Roberts had complained about the behaviour of his five-month-old border collie.

“The dog was crying in its crate,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales

The defendant appeared to hit the dog forcefully with his hand. He’d also been witnessed kicking and punching the dog.

The same morning the friend had received another call and grinning Roberts said the dog was dead.

Twm’s body was taken to a vet where Roberts told a receptionist he didn’t know how the pet had died.

Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales

Roberts had previously attempted to choke a cat with a headphone lead and screamed at a budgie and refused to feed it, the court heard.

Jailing him for 18 months Judge Timothy Petts at Caernarfon crown court banned him for life from owning any animal.

The judge told Roberts that after acquiring the puppy “you clearly had no idea how to look after him properly. The novelty had worn off.

“You went from neglect to being cruel and violent towards him,” Judge Petts added.

Prosecution of monstrous puppy killer and serial animal abuser Aled Roberts originally from Pwlhelli, Caernarfonshire, Wales

Eventually Twm had been strangled with a chain.

“The suffering he sustained must have been considerable,” the judge said. A post-mortem examination showed internal injuries to the “defenceless” puppy including fractured ribs.

Roberts’ lawyer said his client’s “mental health problems” had led to the sad situation and had urged the judge to consider a suspended sentence.

Sentencing | 18 months’ imprisonment. Lifetime ban.

Daily Post

Stevenage, Hertfordshire: Mark Linford

CONVICTED | Mark Anthony Linford, born October 1977, of Long Lane, Aston End, Stevenage SG2 7HG – broke into a woman’s home and stole her dogs before attacking them, causing fatal injuries to one.

Evil Stevenage man Mark Linford stole three dogs during a burglary and killed one of them while seriously injuring the others
Dog killer Mark ‘Marco’ Linford will be spending the next two-and-a-half years behind bars for his crimes

Linford, a self-employed painter/decorator trading under the name Linford’s Professional Decorating, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal as well as burglary

Essex Police were called to an address in Harlow on the afternoon of 18 September 2023 following reports of a residential burglary, where three chihuahua dogs (pictured) were stolen.

The suspect was quickly identified as Linford. He was located and arrested on suspicion of burglary.

The dogs were located later in the day.

Evil Stevenage man Mark Linford stole three dogs (pictured) during a burglary and killed one of them while seriously injuring the others
Nacho pictured at the back alongside Lola and Parker

One dog, Nacho, was found next to the railway track at Harlow Mill. Sadly, he had to be put to sleep due to the severity of his injuries.

The other two dogs, Parker and Lola, were found close to the train tracks with serious injuries.

Linford was further arrested on suspicion of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and later charged.

After pleading guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and burglary, he was sentenced to a total of two years and six months in prison.

Linford, who uses the first name Marco but may also go by the name Billy or Billie Linford, was also issued with a restraining order against the victim, an Animal Disqualification Order and ordered to pay compensation to the victim.

Following the sentence, the dogs’ owner said the following: “No sentence given to Mark Linford (Marco) will ever do justice for the loss of my little Nacho and the devastation it’s caused the whole family and the other two dogs.

“You never think that something so awful could ever happen to you.

“Our animals are like our children, totally innocent.”

Detective Constable Sarah Faircloth, who led the investigation said “Mark Linford made the decision to take the victim’s three defenceless dogs which goes to show what a dangerous individual he is. The anguish and heartache he has caused is irreparable, which no prison sentence will ever compensate.

“I must commend the victim for her courage throughout the investigation, her support and dedication for justice for Nacho, which in my opinion was the main reason Linford had no choice but to admit his guilt.”

Sentencing | two years and six months in prison; animal disqualification order of unspecified duration.

EssexLive

Hyde, Greater Manchester: Lynn and Charlotte Haydon-Williams

CONVICTED (2024) | Lynn Haydon-Williams, born 6 April 1960, of Redgate, Hyde SK14 5DE, and Charlotte Haydon-Williams, born 17 November 1988, of Cheetham Fold Road, Hyde SK14 5DF – for the neglect of multiple animals in the care of their sanctuary.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to  Haywill Animal Rescue.

Mother and daughter Lynn and Charlotte Haydon-Williams were found guilty of a number of offences following a trial on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to  Haywill Animal Rescue.

The court heard how neglected horses, including one suffering with multiple tumours, lame goats, pigs with hoof problems and an arthritic coatimundi were found at the Haywill Animal Centre by the RSPCA.

During 2020 and 2021, the RSPCA identified animal welfare concerns at sites in Glossop, Derbyshire and Broadbottom in Manchester.

The RSPCA had visited the rescue on previous occasions during which they had offered support and advice to the founder/owner Lynn Haydon-Williams.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to  Haywill Animal Rescue.

In a statement read to the court RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo said she recalled attending the centre on May 11, 2021, when she saw “goats with overgrown feet that were struggling to walk normally, grossly obese pigs, a coati that appeared to have small masses on its underside and a horse with overgrown feet”.

Inspector Araujo continued: “I saw a number of large goats with overgrown hooves that appeared to have difficulty walking normally or walking at all. There was also a black pygmy goat who looked quite thin and you could feel his spine and hips when you put your hands on him.”

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to  Haywill Animal Rescue.

Among the animals taken into the care of the RSPCA was Gemma, a grey bay mare, who was covered in skin tumours. A vet later decided that the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Another horse, called Casper, who was suffering from laminitis was also, sadly, put to sleep, as was a pot-bellied pig, who was suffering from overgrown feet.

An emaciated pygmy goat and the coatimundi, who was in poor health, passed away later.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to  Haywill Animal Rescue.

Several of the horses required treatment for foot and hoof ailments.

In mitigation for Lynn Haydon-Williams, the court was told she previously did “a lot of good work for many people for a long time”. It was said that Covid impacted the rescue’s finances and lessened her ability to look after the animals. It was said that she had not deliberately mistreated the animals.

The court heard that Charlotte Haydon-Williams suffered from health problems which affected her care of the horse. The court accepted she was not responsible for the care of the other animals.

Lynn Haydon-Williams initially pleaded not guilty to 15 charges, but she was convicted of 13 offences after a trial.

Charlotte Haydon-Williams pleaded not guilty to the same 15 charges and was convicted of three offences relating to the care of a horse. It was ruled she had no case to answer on the remaining 12 charges.

The surviving animals – a horse and 10 goats – will be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Araujo said: “This owner was given ample time and opportunity to get the help she needed to give these animals the veterinary care and treatment they needed. Sadly, she did not take action and the animals suffered for longer than they had to.”

Sentencing |
Lynn Haydon-Williams: six-month custodial suspended for 18 months; 240 hours of unpaid work; £240 costs and £156 victim surcharge. She was given a lifetime disqualification from keeping animals except for dogs and cats.

Charlotte Haydon-Williams: 12-month community order; fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and £114 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping horses for three years (expires March 2027).

DerbyshireLive
Manchester Evening News
Quest Media Network

Chatham, Kent: Simon Moynes

CONVICTED (2024) | Simon Moynes, born c. 1985, of 26 Pimpernel Way, Chatham ME5 0SF – left his elderly dog to suffer with an “oozing”, grapefruit-sized tumour and other ailments.

RSPCA prosecution of Chatham man Simon Moynes, who left his elderly pet dog, Cassie, to suffer with multiple ailments including tumours.

The RSPCA was called to Moynes’ address in January 2023 to investigate reports of concern about a dog with fleas and bad skin.

There they found Cassie in a subdued state, covered in urine stains, underweight and with a huge tumour.

RSPCA prosecution of Chatham man Simon Moynes, who left his elderly pet dog, Cassie, to suffer with multiple ailments including tumours.

An inspector said: “I immediately noted a strong smell of urine and infection coming from Cassie.”

“She appeared extremely lethargic and subdued.

“Moynes placed Cassie on the floor in front of me and I could see she was extremely underweight with her ribs clearly visible. She had fur loss across her mid to lower back and down her back legs and I could see urine staining on her back legs. She also appeared to be dripping urine involuntarily.

RSPCA prosecution of Chatham man Simon Moynes, who left his elderly pet dog, Cassie, to suffer with multiple ailments including tumours.

“She had evidence of flea dirt and fleas on her back. Cassie was able to stand for a few seconds before she laid down in front of me and appeared extremely weak on her legs.

“On her front left leg around her elbow she had a large mass that I noted was about the size of a grapefruit that was open, ulcerated, oozing pus and blood and smelt extremely strong of infection.

“I also noted a small mass on her abdomen that was also open, ulcerated and oozing pus and blood.”

RSPCA prosecution of Chatham man Simon Moynes, who left his elderly pet dog, Cassie, to suffer with multiple ailments including tumours.

Moynes then told the inspector that Cassie had not seen a vet since before 2020. He claimed he couldn’t get an appointment during the Covid lockdown, the RSPCA said.

The defendant agreed to let the inspector take Cassie to the vet for treatment – where it was decided that the most humane option would be to put her to sleep.

In a witness statement, the vet said: “The period of suffering is likely to have been 18 months and this could have been reduced if veterinary advice was sought sooner.

“Both masses would have caused severe pain and suffering for Cassie. There was rotting tissue in both masses which had caused severe infection.

RSPCA prosecution of Chatham man Simon Moynes, who left his elderly pet dog, Cassie, to suffer with multiple ailments including tumours.

“Due to her anaemia she was extremely lethargic and had shortness of breath upon presentation.

“Cassie would have been suffering with anaemia for up to six months as a result of her untreated condition. Due to her emaciation and muscle wastage, she could barely stand and couldn’t walk where she was so lethargic, weak and in a suffering state.

“Her tumours were so large that they were inoperable, and would have had to involve removal of the entire front leg to adequately remove the tumour. In a severely compromised, anaemic and hypotensive dog this would not have been possible as she would not have survived the anaesthetic.”

In mitigation, Moynes said he had “mental health issues”. He is said to have shown significant remorse and accepted that Cassie should have been taken to a vet.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. A 10-year ban applicable to all animals.

KentLive
KentOnline

Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham: Marissa Faultless

CONVICTED (2024) | pet hoarder Marissa Faultless, born c. 1957, of Tower Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 5EA – kept dozens of poorly cats in disgusting conditions.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
The court heard that pet hoarder Marissa Faultless was not ‘deliberately cruel’ and her behaviour was due to a mental health disorder

Nearly 100 cats had to be removed from Marissa Faultless’s chaotic home, which was described in court as smelling like death. One kitten was found dead while others had to be euthanised. Some had to have eyes removed due to cat flu.

On three occasions RSPCA inspectors were forced to raid the property where every area of the garden contained piles of fence-high rubbish while inside reeked of urine and faces.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Faultless refused to accept anything was wrong with the cats and denied they needed veterinary treatment.

Ultimately she admitted six animal welfare offences, albeit she made a last-ditch, thankfully unsuccessful, bid to reverse the pleas in a ploy to keep her cats.

RSPCA prosecutor Sara Pratt told the court there had been a ‘long history’ to the case. She said that police and Birmingham City Council had tried to work with Faultless following initial complaints and in April 2021 she was provided with copies of the Animal Welfare Act as well as a code of practice for looking after cats.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

But Ms Pratt added that ‘nothing changed’ and a warrant had to be executed on September 2, 2021, which resulted in the removal of 34 cats and kittens. A further 24 were spotted outside but officers could not catch them and did not have the legal power to seize them.

Ms Pratt said: “Outside of the house there was piled high rubbish in the garden as high as the fence. Inside the property there were a large number of cats and kittens. There was an overpowering smell of urine and a build-up of faeces in the living room. There were no suitable litter trays. The house was in a cluttered state.”

A lot of the cats were suffering from cat flu as well as fleas.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Faultless refused to formally sign any of them over to the RSPCA. She was interviewed and accepted ownership of them but denied there were signs of flu or ringworm.

She also blamed Covid for failing to seek flea treatment but insisted the cats did not need to see a vet. She claimed she had not noticed the smell but admitted she struggled with how many pets she had, said Ms Pratt.

There were further visits to her home in June and July 2022 following more complaints which culminated in a second warrant executed in August.

Ms Pratt said: “The conditions at the property had deteriorated. There was an overwhelming smell of urine, faeces and what was described by others as ‘death’.”

A dead kitten was found at the home while 26 cats had to be removed. One four-week-old kiten was particularly emaciated and had to be euthanised.

A third raid took place in April 2023 when another 34 cats had to be taken away.

RSPCA prosecution of cat hoarder Marissa Faultless from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

The court was told a small number of cats had to have eyes removed due to severe flu. At that point Faultless cried ‘no, no, no that’s not true’ as she broke down in tears in the dock. One cat died after being operated on by the vet.

Ms Pratt said: “Clearly all of the cats had suffered pain and distress. A reasonably competent and humane person would have sought veterinary attention.”

She told the court a number of cats died but the vast majority had been rehomed while some remained in boarding establishments awaiting to be adopted.

Queenie Djan, defending, said: “This is Ms Faultless’s first time offending. It is not the case she was deliberately cruel. It is directly linked to a mental disorder she is suffering from. There is a history of her owning cats before her offending with no issues. She is receiving support from other organisations.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activity and 12 sessions of psychological intervention. Banned from keeping cats for ten years.

BirminghamLive
Daily Mail

Cowdenbeath, Fife: Arran Swift / Arran Adey

CONVICTED (2024) | serial domestic abuser and dangerous career criminal Arran Swift aka Arran Adey, born c. 1986, originally from Cowdenbeath, Fife but with links to the Lochend and Restalrig areas of Edinburgh and Cumbernauld in Glasgow – killed and mutilated a hamster with a hammer in a sick revenge attack against his partner.

Serial domestic abuser Arran Swift from Cowdenbeath, killed a hamster and mutilated the body.,

The death of the little hamster, named Timmy, came to light after Swift sent the woman a chilling message, stating “Timmy isn’t going to survive”.

Police found the body of the animal, along with blood splatters where he had been thrown against a wall and a hammer covered in blood and hair.

The court heard that Swift carried out a litany of abuse after entering into a relationship with the woman in 2018 or 2019.

Serial domestic abuser Arran Swift from Cowdenbeath, killed a hamster and mutilated the body.,

Fiscal depute Ronnie Hay detailed the abuse, including the destruction of the victim’s pet, committed after she took Swift back following a previous split.

He said: “The complainer felt sorry for him and invited him to stay with her.

“The accused’s behaviour did not vary – he began controlling what she was doing.

“He punched and kicked at walls and mirrors.

“They separated in September 2021 and she left her flat, leaving her pet hamster Timmy.

“Between September 6 and 16 telephone records showed 391 communications were made from his phone to her.

“These messages were also threatening – she received one saying ‘Timmy isn’t going to survive. Where are you?….bad move, goodbye’.”

Police went to the property and found evidence Swift was still living there – along with the grim discovery of the pet’s body.

Mr Hay continued: “They observed the deceased hamster, which appeared to have been struck off the wall.

“They contacted the SSPCA and an inspector attended and found the hamster and blood spatters on the wall.

“She saw a hammer with blood and hair on it.”

On an earlier occasion Swift trapped the woman inside her house, tied her hands together and followed her around the house – even watching as she used the toilet – and threatened to stab her.

On another occasion he hit her, resulting in her waking from unconsciousness in the bathroom.

Serial domestic abuser Arran Swift from Cowdenbeath, killed a hamster and mutilated the body.,

After the woman left Swift initially, she found him inside her house.
Swift had taken some important items, including jewellery and photographs, telling her he had taken “things that matter to you”.

He invited her to a Travelodge in Edinburgh with the promise of returning the items.

She texted her mother asking her to call the police as she needed help, only for Swift to beat her with a gin bottle.

Other incidents included stealing a television that had been taken in by a neighbour following delivery, making threats to kill her former partner, sending her photos to suggest he was in her local area and he stated he had put cameras in her home.

Swift, a prisoner at Edinburgh, admitted engaging in a course of conduct abusive of a partner or ex-partner at addresses in Fife, Edinburgh and Cumbernauld between October 2020 and January 2022.

Swift’s heinous crimes were so serious the case was remitted to the High Court in Dundee.

Serial domestic abuser Arran Swift from Cowdenbeath, killed a hamster and mutilated the body.,

Presiding judge Lord Arthurson ruled that Swift poses a significant threat to the public should he be released from custody.

He said reports showed that Swift had “sadistic” tendencies and scored highly on a test to assess psychopathic behaviour.

He said: “You demonstrated extreme violence, controlling and somewhat sadistic behaviour towards your victim. You have used different aliases in relationships.

“When you are heavily intoxicated and in a state of inebriation you have felt the overwhelming desire to inflict serious pain on others. You have shown a lack of empathy. You have shown no anxiety about the consequences. There is an extremely high likelihood of you committing other offences and you have the capacity to cause lethal harm.

“You scored highly on the assessment for psychopathy. The risk of harm posed by you has been persistent over time. You have been violent against strangers and intimate partners.

“You have found it impossible to take responsibility for your behaviour. You have had eight previous partners and have shown concerning behaviour towards seven of them.

“You have described your own fantasies about harming others in the past. You killed your victim’s pet animal and mutilated the body. You repeatedly threatened to kill your victim and her family and burn down her house. This was sustained, coercive and controlling behaviour over 16 months.”

Lord Arthurson said: “I have concluded that the nature, gravity and pattern of offending are such as to demonstrate that your liberty will endanger the lives of the public at large.”

Swift will initially serve three years and nine months in prison but will be subjected to a lifelong restriction order meaning that only the parole board can decide if Swift can be managed in the community.

Swift was also made subject to a lifelong non-harassment order.

The court was told that Swift was already subject to two other non-harassment orders, had served 19 previous prison terms and was on a community payback order at the time of the latest offence.

Sentencing | three years and nine months in jail. Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).

Daily Record

Evenwood, County Durham: Josh Sanderson

CONVICTED (2024) | Joshua Sanderson, born 20 December 2003, of 35 Fairfield, Evenwood, Bishop Auckland DL14 9SE – left three lurchers to starve in his abandoned flat.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat..

Sanderson’s dogs were discovered living in a flat strewn with faces and rubbish after he abandoned them. One dog, Molly, had eaten a bin liner in her desperation for food.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.
Lurcher Molly was emaciated and was so hungry she had eaten a bin liner

An RSPCA inspector gained entry to Sanderson’s flat the help of police and the letting agents on April 6, 2023. In a statement read to the court the inspector described being met with an overpowering smell of ammonia inside the property.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.
Grim conditions inside the flat where Sanderson left three dogs to die

They continued: “There was faeces present at the rear of the door and on the stairs. On entering the main area of the flat there were no dogs present or loose and it was littered with faeces and rubbish scattered about, there was also faeces on the settee in the main room.

“I then opened a door to a small bedroom and found three lurcher-type dogs in a small area which was again littered with faeces and like the rest of the flat the smell of urine and excrement was overpowering.

“None of the dogs had any access to food or water and the bowls that were present were overturned and all were dry.”

All three dogs were rescued and examined by a vet who hospitalised them overnight.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.
Tolly

A tan and white male lurcher was found to have wounds and cuts, while a black and tan female lurcher had inflamed eye membranes.

The third dog, Molly, the only one of the three that was microchipped, was emaciated and weighed just 9.45kg. She was given a body condition score of just one out of nine.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.

Although her microchip said she was a year old, the vet said significant tartar on her teeth indicated her age was inaccurate. She had a number of scars but no fresh wounds.

Magistrates heard the dogs were ravenous when fed and Molly passed faeces containing a black bin liner.

In his evidence, the vet said: “Molly was suffering at the time of examination as a result of malnutrition due to lack of feeding.

“The bloods indicated that this dog had normal organ function and no significant clinical condition that would be responsible for the weight loss.

“She gained nearly 30% in weight following adequate feeding in five weeks. In my opinion she had been caused unnecessary suffering on the grounds of inadequate nutrition for no less than six weeks.”

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.

Following enquiries, Sanderson was traced to a property in the village of Evenwood.

He was interviewed by the RSPCA in June 2023 and confirmed that he had been the occupant of the flat but had moved out.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.

He also said he owned two of the dogs and had taken Molly on from someone who wasn’t looking after her properly. He conceded that conditions at the flat were poor and unsuitable for the dogs.

The dogs were cared for at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.
The unnamed dog that was put to sleep following weeks of starvation and neglect by heartless thug Josh Sanderson

Sadly, the black and tan female lurcher was put to sleep on professional advice for welfare and behavioural reasons.

Molly and the male lurcher, who was named Tolly by staff, were adopted and are enjoying life in their new homes.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.

Sanderson admitted two charges contrary to the Animal Welfare act 2006 but walked free from court with “rehabilitation” and five year ban.

RSPCA prosecution of Josh Sanderson from Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who left 3 dogs to starve in a filthy abandoned flat.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, RSPCA Chief Inspector for Durham Mark Gent said: “All three dogs had been badly let down by their owner, left behind in a dirty and hazardous environment without food or water, to the extent where one of them had resorted to eating a bin liner.

“It was a sad case and it illustrates how important it is to ensure the needs of animals you’re responsible for are always met and to see help and advice if your circumstances change and you are no longer able to provide for them.”

Sentencing | six-month community order with five rehabilitation activity requirement days. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires April 2029).

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