CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Frati, born c. 1995, of Craigend, City of Glasgow – killed a tiny chihuahua by striking her with a hatchet.

Frati attacked the chihuahua named Ruby at a property in Ruchazie in the north east of Glasgow, on 5 August 2023.

He was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court of causing the dog unnecessary suffering. He also behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at the same time and place.

Sheriff Patrick Hughes said it was a particularly sad matter due to Frati’s friendship with the dog’s owner, Janet Collins.

Sheriff Hughes said: “She played an almost maternal role in your life.

“This was the worst incident of animal cruelty I have seen, particularly in a summary court.

The charge said Frati knew or ought to have known that his actions would have caused suffering.

It is stated that he struck Ruby on the head with a hatchet which caused her death.

Sheriff Hughes added the dog had suffered from an “unprovoked incident”.

He said: “Miss Collins suffered from seeing it and seeing it done by you which is hurtful.

“It seems to me that you pose a significant risk to the public and this incident is an escalation.”

Peter Malone, defending, told the sentencing hearing that Ms Collins had tried to help Frati with his addiction issues and he had been living with her.

Sentencing | 12-month custodial. No ban.

BBC News

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Additional Information

Frati was cleared in 2019 of two murder bid shootings within a month after the charges against him were dropped.

He denied shooting Robert McCann at a house in Tollcross as well as Brian McGloin at his home in Shettleston.

Mr McCann said he was shot in the head in his friend Christopher Lynch’s home, but remembered nothing after hearing someone at the front door and walking out of the kitchen into the hallway.

He woke up days later in hospital. In court he said he was unable to identify the gunman.

Mr McGloin who was shot three times and slashed on the face, also said in court he was unable to identify the shooter.