CONVICTED (2009) | Sebrina Carty, aka Sebrina Buttimer, born 03/12/1987, of Milner Gardens, Richmond Hill, Leeds LS9 8NW – threw a puppy off a three-storey high balcony during an argument with her boyfriend.
Seven-week-old Jack Russell Rocky was thrown from the balcony in his dog carrier after drunken Carty became enraged during the argument. Despite Carty’s wicked intentions, the tiny dog survived the plunge.
The court heard how police were called to domestic disturbance in Carty’s previous address in Appleton Square, Leeds, in October 2008.
They found the smashed pet carrier and Rocky collapsed nearby.
He was taken to a local vet who found he had soft tissue damage and bruises but no broken bones.
Carty pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the puppy and was given a community sentence and a measly two-year ban on keeping animals.
RSPCA inspector Dave Holgate said: ‘This was a sickening case of deliberate and sadistic cruelty.
‘The puppy was only a few weeks old and must have been terrified. It’s a miracle that he wasn’t seriously injured or killed.
‘The sentence passed reflects the serious nature of this incident and serves to show that this kind of vile cruelty cannot and will not be tolerated.’
Rocky made a full recovery and now lives in a new home
Sentencing: 100 hours of unpaid work; £250 costs; two year ban (expired 2011).
CONVICTED (2008) | John Martell, born c. 1968, of Mulberry Court, Pendleton, Salford M6 – kicked, punched and stamped on his dog because he was having “a really bad day”.
John Martell launched a vicious attack on his dog, Madison (inset).
On November 7, 2008 John Martell was jailed for 12 weeks and banned from keeping all animals for life. His prosecution for animal cruelty came after he was caught on CCTV unleashing a vicious attack against his pet dog in a lift at his Salford home.
Martell pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his 18-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog, called Madison, by subjecting him to physical trauma.
The court heard how Martell attacked Madison in a lift at Mulberry Court flats on April 22, 2008, when the dog urinated in the lift after previously messing in the flat.
He kicked the dog four times, punched him three times and stamped on his back five times.
The ordeal was witnessed by a security guard who recorded it on CCTV and contacted the RSPCA.
On April 23 RSPCA inspectors, together with officers from Greater Manchester police, visited Martell’s home and removed Madison.
The dog was taken to a nearby vets, who found he had swollen, puffy eyes and confirmed he had suffered.
Magistrates were told in mitigation that unemployed Martell had been suffering from alcohol problems and had argued with his girlfriend immediately before the attack.
Chair of the bench John Connor described the ordeal as ‘a deliberate and sustained attack against a defenceless animal.’
RSPCA chief inspector Cathy Hyde said: “This was one of the worst attacks on an animal that I’ve ever seen.
“There’s no excusing what this man did.
“It was a shocking, wanton act of cruelty carried out without provocation. The sentence reflects the callous and cruel nature of this case.”
Madison made a full recovery and was made available for rehoming.
CONVICTED (2008) | Alexander Spence, born c. 1948, and Sheena Spence (also known as Sheena Percival), born c. 1946, of West Bromwich, and more recently Hopes Avenue, Dalmellington, Ayr KA6 7RN – battered a Scottie dog nearly to death before throwing him off a 5th floor balcony
Callous couple Sheena and Alexander Spence, who brutally killed an old lady’s pet dog
The Spences were looking after black Scottish terrier Laddie while his elderly owner Nancy Howells was critically ill in hospital.
The couple told the RSPCA they had lashed out after Laddie bit Mrs Spence on the ankle.
The couple, who were drunk at the time, admitted hitting the dog between two and three times each, causing him to hit a door, before Mrs Spence threw him from the balcony of their flat.
Laddie suffered bruising to the left side of his body, internal bleeding and injuries to internal organs, including a torn liver and kidney damage.
A veterinary surgeon said his injuries were consistent with being beaten rather than a fall and that he was probably “dead or dying” when thrown from the balcony. He estimated that Laddie had undergone a 10-minute ordeal of pain before dying.
Mrs Howells’ daughter told the RSPCA how she received a “curious call” from Mr Spence in which he said: “Hello Pat, the dog has bitten me and Sheena… do you want me to finish him off over the balcony?”
Later, Mrs Spence told Mrs Howells’ son-in-law in a telephone call: “The dog will be OK but that is if he doesn’t come by an accident first.”
When Mrs Howells’ grandson arrived at the couple’s house the following day to collect the dog Sheena Spence handed over the collar and lead, telling him the animal had run away.
Laddie was found by a neighbour who called the council, which then alerted the RSPCA.
Mrs Howells died later the same month and her family said outside court they were never able to tell her what happened to her dog.
Sentence: jailed for 12 weeks and disqualified from keeping animals for life. That sentence was later reduced to 10 weeks suspended for a year and their disqualification order reduced to just 12 months.
CONVICTED (2007) | Gordon Devenish, born c. 1966, of West Blackhall Street, Greenock PA15 1UY and John ‘Johnny’ Cathcart, born c. 1969, of Golf Course Road, Skelmorlie PA17 5BH – kicked a hedgehog to death
Johnny Cathcart (left) and Gordon Devenish used a defenceless hedgehog as a football
Self-employed joiner John Cathcart and his colleague Gordon Devenish kicked a hedgehog to death by using it as a football during a stag weekend. The pair admitted kicking the animal back and forth until it died as a result of its injuries.
Sheriff Robert McCreadie described it as an offensive act of wanton cruelty committed by two grown men.
“You should both be ashamed of yourselves. You are being publicly shamed in the dock today,” he said.
Sheriff McCreadie added: “I have noted that you have paid a sum of money to the SSPCA, possibly in an attempt to salve your conscience.”
Fiscal depute Stuart Richardson told the court that a number of police officers were in the area when they saw Devenish kicking the hedgehog across the road and Cathcart kicking it after him.
“Police then approached both to find out what they were doing,” Mr Richardson said. “The hedgehog was killed.”
Devenish claimed he saw an object lying in the street and decided to use it as a football.
He realised it was a hedgehog but decided to boot it several feet in the air anyway.
Solicitor Mark Alder, defending, said: “Both parties were drinking a large amount of alcohol on the day in question.
“They were out at a friend’s stag party.
“Both now accept responsibility for their actions.”
In his letter pleading guilty to the court, Cathcart said: “I deeply regret what I have done. As an animal lover I feel great remorse.
“I was intoxicated at the time of this offence, although I know this is no excuse for such a stupid and barbaric act.”
Sentencing: Devenish was fined £400 and Cathcart £360.
#MostEvil | Nicky Collinson, born 8 January 1986, of 28 Tynebank, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 4RW – kicked and punched a kitten that had wandered over to her.
2022 photo of Nicky Collinson. Source: Facebook.
Mobile phone footage showed Collinson and an unidentified 16-year-old female accomplice laughing as they repeatedly kick and punch the cat, chasing after him when he attempted to escape.
In October 2007 Collinson was banned from keeping animals for life. She was also given a 12-month supervision order, and a six-month night-time curfew.
The youth involved was disqualified from keeping any animal for five years and given a referral order.
Collinson later sold her story to Take a Break magazine. This is the text of that article.
The video began and I watched the screen as two young women walked along a dimly lit street. They heard a sound and turned to see a black and white kitten wandering up to them. Its tail swished and its ears pricked up to show it wanted affection.
It was a young, trusting animal and allowed itself to be picked up by one of the women. She cradled it in the crook of her left arm, glanced across at her companion and said: “Quick!” The other woman got out her mobile, aimed it at the kitten and began filming with the phone’s camera.
She said: “It’s ready.”
With that, the woman holding the kitten drew back her fist and punched the animal twice, as hard as she could. It slumped forwards as the women laughed loudly.
Next, she threw the animal into the air. As the kitten began to descend, she swung her foot and drop-kicked it as if it was a rugby ball.
The kitten spun sideways and landed on the road. When it tried to get up to escape, she kicked it again. That’s where the video ended.
I sat back in shock at what I’d seen because that woman torturing the kitten was me. I didn’t remember it because I’d been drunk. Now it was the following morning and I was sober. I’d stayed over at my friend’s house and she was showing me the video she’d taken. I could clearly see the cruelty I’d inflicted.
“It’s hilarious, don’t you think?” she said.
My face burned scarlet with shame. “No,” I said trembling. “You should have stopped me. I’m disgusting.”
I had turned to alcohol after my nan, who was also my best friend, had passed away. She’s suffered from emphysema, a degenerative lung disease, and in her final months, I’d cared for her. I loved her so much and when she died I felt lost. I became quiet and isolated. I was 16 and didn’t know how to deal with my grief. So I tried drinking. Getting drunk helped me stop thinking about my sadness.
My parents were worried and in the end Dad took me to the doctor, who said: “Nicola, your grandma’s death had a big impact on your life. It would be best if you started taking antidepressants.”
I agreed to take them. Although the medication numbed the pain, it didn’t address how or why I felt so bad. I continued to drink. The combination of drugs and alcohol made me feel detached from myself. I became moody and menacing.
My sister Jennifer said: “You’re nice when you’re sober, but I don’t know who you are when you’re drunk. You’re not the sister I love. You need to sort yourself out.”
“Whatever,” I shrugged. That night, when I kicked the kitten, I had been at a friend’s house and we had drunk a lot. I couldn’t remember anything about what happened.
When my friend showed me the clip on her mobile, I was beside myself. I didn’t even know if the kitten had survived.
“I’ve sent it to our friends,” she said.
“You’ve done what?” I said in horror.
“I thought it was funny,” she replied.
Our friends didn’t agree. One sent it to the RSPCA. Later that afternoon I had a visit from the police. They took me to the station where I was shown the video again and questioned. “Is that you kicking the kitten?” the officer asked.
Breaking down, I said: “Yes, it’s me. I’m so sorry. I was drunk and didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t mean to hurt it.”
Despite my tearful pleas, I was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The worst thing was, I loved animals. I had two dogs who I looked after on my own. We’d had Perry, a crossbreed Yorkshire terrier, for 17 years. I had also rescued a six-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier called Sparkle from a dogs’ home.
Back home in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, I was plagued by images of me kicking the kitten. I’d think about it and cringe.
I told Dad: “I’m so ashamed of what I’ve done. I’m going to change.”
I meant it. I gave up alcohol and when friends called to invite me out, I refused. Instead, I spent time walking my dogs and playing with my nieces and nephews. Whenever I was tempted to have a drink, I forced myself to think back to what I’d done.
In time I heard that RSPCA inspectors had been unable to trace the kitten or its owners to find out if it had survived. Knowing it may have suffered an excruciating death from its injuries made me even more distressed.
Eventually, I appeared at Gosforth Magistrates Court. I pleaded guilty. Clive McKeag, who was prosecuting for the RSPCA, showed the video footage, recorded on the Cowgate estate in Newcastle.
He said: “This is what can only be described as a very wicked case. It was only a kitten and it came looking for affection.”
He described the attack, saying: “It was absolutely deliberate. There can be no suggestion it was accidental. What makes it worse is that someone was making a video on a camera phone. You can hear joking and laughing.”
The solicitor defending me, Kevin Kivlehan, said: “The girl that you see in the video is very different from the young lady you have before you today. She has suffered from emotional difficulties, anxiety and depression throughout her life until fairly recently. She has abused both drugs and alcohol and that has exacerbated the problem. She once rescued a Staffordshire bull terrier from a neglectful home using her own money. That is the true nature of Nicola Collinson.”
The presiding magistrate addressed me, saying:”Having looked at that video of what you did, we seriously considered custody. It is appalling that any human can do such a thing to another animal. It’s unthinkable and no excuses can be accepted. But we are going to ask for reports. We feel you’re desperately in need of help. Hopefully you’ll live to remember what you’ve done to that cat and never do anything like that again.”
I was sentenced to a 12-month community and supervision order and a six-month curfew from 7pm to 7am. I was also banned for life from keeping animals and ordered to pay costs of £420.
The story appeared in the newspapers and local residents commented. One wrote: “You’re the lowest of the low. I wouldn’t chuck a cup of water on you if you were on fire. In fact, why don’t you just drop dead?”
Another wrote: “Typical scum blaming drink….weren’t drunk enough to aim right TWICE, were you? Hope someone gives you the kicking you so deserve. You are trash.
While another said: “I was mortified when I read about the cat in the paper. It looked so calculated.. she shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near animals.”
The comments hurt but I deserved them. Perhaps I should have been kicked in the same way as I had tortured that kitten. I wish I could do more than just say sorry. But I’ll have to live with the fact that I’m an animal beater forever.
Update April 2022 | Breached Lifetime Ban
Newcastle Magistrates Court heard that on January 10, 2022 a chihuahua and a Jack Russell were found living at Collinson’s home after a housing officer tipped off the RSPCA.
Collinson told an RSPCA inspector that she had been caring for the Jack Russell, called Lucy, since her father’s death in November 2020, and that the chihuahua, known as Robbie, had been brought into the house by her partner in August 2021.
Collinson, who the court heard is unemployed and has four children, was dealt with in her absence after failing to attend the hearing to answer a charge of breaching her lifetime disqualification of keeping all animals, which was handed down at Gosforth Magistrates’ in January 2007.
Alex Bousfield, prosecuting for the RSPCA, told the court that since the dogs were found at her home Collinson had been co-operative with the RSPCA. Both Lucy and Robbie were found to be in perfect condition and have since been re-homed.
He said Collinson admitted she had been looking after Lucy for around 26 months, and Robbie for five months. No harm had been caused to either animal.
The presiding magistrate said that in Collinson’s absence she was satisfied that the defendant had been served notice to attend court and that having heard a summary of the evidence that she had kept two dogs she was disqualified from having.
She fined Collinson £120 with a £34 victim surcharge for the breach. The lifetime ban on keeping animals still stands.
CONVICTED (2007) | Matthew Alex Corfield, born 05/11/1988, of Garden Village, Highley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6HN and Alex John Lister, born 22/09/1989, of Bickford Lane, Teignmouth TA14 8QT – attacked a horse with a meat cleaver, leaving her so badly injured she had to be put down.
Recent (2019) photos of horse killers Matthew Corfield (left) and Alex Lister
On Friday 13th April 2007, a 19-year-old piebald mare, known as Maggie, was attacked at Essington Hall Farm, Essington, South Staffordshire, by drunken youths Matthew Corfield and Alex Lister then of Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. A third youth – Anthony Ronald Hinsley, born 07/09/1988, of Fryer Close, Wolverhampton WV11 3JD, was also initially charged, but the case against him was later dropped.
Charges against Anthony Ronald Hinsley were dropped
The trio, who had been drinking in local woods with two other youths, went into Maggie’s field and startled her. As she fled, Corfield and Lister proceeded to chase her with the former repeatedly hurling a meat cleaver at her.
The court heard Corfield laughed as he inspected the 12-inch by five-inch blade for blood.
Victim Maggie with her owner
Maggie was found the following day lying in a pool of blood. She had suffered a five-inch-deep cut to her neck, a three-and-a-half-inch cut on her shoulder and her right leg was broken. The tendon of one of her rear legs was severed by a blow that cut to the bone. Her injuries were so severe that she had to be put to sleep on humane grounds.
Corfield, Lister and Hinsley were arrested after locals raised £1,500 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.
Remorseless Matthew Corfield and accomplice Alex Lister (inset) pictured outside court in 2007
Paul Jenkins, defending Corfield, said he did not accept he was “solely or exclusively” to blame.
Jenkins said it was not a premeditated attack and that Corfield had taken the cleaver with him to chop wood to make a fire for the five friends who were camping in Black Cat Wood.
Ian Hodnett, for Lister, said he had tried but failed to film Corfield and another friend chasing the horse on his mobile phone.
He said Lister’s only other involvement was to chase Maggie around the paddock.
Corfield and Lister both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Maggie. Corfield was given five months in a young offenders institution but was released after just eight weeks. His father, Peter Corfield, told a local newspaper that he believed his son “had definitely paid his debt to society”. He added that his son had been rehired by his employer, a building company.
Sentencing: Corfield – five months in a young offenders institution. Ordered to do 180 hours of community work.
Lister – 12-month community order and 180 hours’ community service.
CONVICTED (2001) | Nadine Marie Trewin, born 29/08/1969, currently (2018) of Forge Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 1QR – cooked her pet cat in a microwave oven after she was bitten on the leg by a flea
Mother-of-two Nadine Marie Trewer of Crawley microwaved a cat to death while drunk
Mother-of-two Trewin had changed her plea and admitted cruelty during a trial at Horsham magistrates’ court in June 2001.
The court heard that Trewin had drunk seven cans of lager and two bottles of wine when the offence was committed.
She told the court that she had become angry when a flea from the 6yo tabby, who was called Sasha, bit her on the leg.
She said the cat jumped into the microwave before the door accidentally slammed shut, activating the oven.
She said the cat had cooked for less than a minute, but then the animal failed to move so she tipped her out of the oven from the kitchen window.
She later buried Sasha in the back garden.
Two days later Trewin told her friend Stacey Passmore that she had killed the cat. Miss Passmore was so upset she decided to contact the RSPCA, which prosecuted Trewin.
The court was told that Trewin been suffering from depression and had been prescribed Prozac when the incident occurred.
Trewin’s lawyer said his client “didn’t intend to deliberately harm the cat” and read out a statement from her in which she described herself as having “strong feelings of love for animals”.
As Trewin left the court, animal rights protesters shouted: “Cat killer.”
The RSPCA, which brought the case to court, condemned Trewin’s five-year ban as “far too lenient”.
RSPCA spokeswoman Claire Kennet said: “We feel she should have received a lifetime ban because the act was deliberate.”
Sentencing: Two-year community rehabilitation order. Banned from keeping animals for five years.
