Tag Archives: Fife

The Kingdom of Fife

Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Small Furries, Worst of the Worst

Cowdenbeath, Fife: Arran Swift / Arran Adey

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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

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Dunfermline, Fife: Stuart Connolly

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CONVICTED (2023) | Stuart Connolly, born c. 1991, of Headwell Avenue, Dunfermline KY12 0JY but with family links to the Fife village of Oakley- “accidentally stood” on his puppy and left her with an untreated broken leg for days.

Animal abuser and junkie Stuart Connolly from Dunfermline, Fife, pictured outside court
Stuart Connolly pictured outside court. Photo credit: Courier

Persistent petty criminal Connolly’s unnamed Staffy-type pup was only taken to the vet after police went to his house with a search warrant on February 21, 2022.

He was caught that day with more than 10g of heroin at his Headwell Avenue home.

He appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing, having earlier admitted drug possession and failing to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the animal were met to the extent required by good practice.

Prosecutor Laura McManus told the court police went to Connolly’s home to execute a search warrant and found it in disarray.

Officers found a very small puppy resembling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who seemed to be walking irregularly, with her right hip protruding.

The fiscal said: “When asked about the pup he stated he stood on it accidentally about five days ago and intended getting it to the vet at some point but because the dog could walk on it he was not overly concerned and stated he had saved up to buy the dog.”

An x-ray of the animal showed there was a leg fracture and the vet said the injury was about two weeks old.

The vet said the break appeared to be healing and no treatment was thought to be necessary but the dog should have received medical treatment at the time to fix the injury with pins.

Ms McManus continued: “It was apparent the accused did not particularly think his behaviour had caused unnecessary suffering to the animal.”

Animal abuser and junkie Stuart Connolly from Dunfermline, Fife

The fiscal depute said police also found 10.7g of heroin inside silver wraps in a Kinder egg and other plastic wraps, with an estimated value of £550.

Defence lawyer Alan Davie said Connolly does not have the dog anymore as the Scottish SPCA removed her from him.

The solicitor said his client had bought the dog and ensured she had vaccinations about two weeks before the offence.

Mr Davie said after Connolly stepped on the dog he noticed she had a limp and did not appreciate how serious a case it was and, rather than address the issue immediately, he waited to see if it would improve.

Mr Davie said Connolly was a heroin addict and at the time of offending was using a considerable quantity – now reduced from two-to-three grammes per day to 0.3g per day.

The fiscal depute called for a court disqualification order in relation to Connolly keeping animals.

Mr Davie said Connolly would be opposed to this and has now got another dog which he has had for eight months.

The solicitor said the offence, though serious, was nearly two years old and his client seems to have looked after the new dog.

Sheriff Francis Gill sentenced Connolly to a 145-day curfew order but was persuaded a disqualification order is not necessary.

Connolly thanked the sheriff as he left court.

Sentencing | meaningless 145-day curfew order and no ban.

Courier

Dogs, hunting with dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes

Kinross, Perth and Kinross: Jay Kenny

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CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder and wildlife persecutor Jay John William Kenny, born 28 April 1983, of 2 Fruix, Kinross KY13 0LA but with links to Cowdenbeath, Fife – kept seven dogs in filthy makeshift kennels on a plot of land in Kelty, Fife.

Backyard breeder, wildlife killer, dog abuser Jay Kenny from Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Photo: Facebook

Kenny, who is well-known to the Scottish SPCA, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to all seven dogs by failing to provide a suitable environment and failing to seek veterinary treatment for a lurcher named Gus.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Stephanie Ross, said, “We’d had numerous dealings with [Kenny] since 2018 due to reports of dogs being kept in poor conditions and his known associations with various individuals who we had previously prosecuted for animal fighting.

“On 19 December we received a call from officers at Police Scotland. They had attended the plot of land belonging to Kenny on an unrelated matter and become immediately concerned for the welfare of the animals due to the conditions they were being kept in.

“On 20 December we attended the premises and found that the conditions were deplorable. The ground was boggy and littered with hazardous material. One dog had taken refuge on top of their wooden kennel and almost resembled a dog stranded on an island.

Backyard breeder, wildlife killer, dog abuser Jay Kenny from Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Photo: Facebook
Kenny with on/off partner Paisley Bratchie

“All of the areas the dogs were being kept in were heavily soiled with faeces and stank of ammonia. What little straw they had for bedding was foul and sodden with urine. Six of the seven dogs were underweight and many had visible wounds. Most did not even have access to clean drinking water.

“There were two German shepherds and both dogs’ coats were thick with muck and filth. One of the shepherds was attached to a three metre chain. The ground surrounding the dog’s kennel was worn away in a circular shape, suggesting the dog had been here for some time and going round and round in circles. There was also hazardous material like scrap metal and loose nails lying around which could have caused significant damage to the dog.

“A tan and white lurcher named Gus was in particularly poor condition.

“We had concerns for all of the animals’ welfare and immediately removed them from the premises. Gus was taken for veterinary treatment and the others were transported to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Backyard breeder, wildlife killer, dog abuser Jay Kenny from Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland. Photo: Facebook

“On veterinary examination, Gus was found to be emaciated and had such a heavy flea burden that they could be seen crawling in his fur. He had alopecia, a bacterial skin infection and several wounds in various stages of healing. There was also a wound to the tip of his tail where the skin had become thickened and leathery. The wounds were likely self-inflicted due to how uncomfortable and itchy the fleas were making him.

“The vet estimated it would have taken a minimum of three to five months for him to develop alopecia and for his tail tip to become hardened.

“Gus also had several fractured teeth, with receding and infected gums which would have been incredibly painful. The vet estimated this would have progressed over six to 12 months.

“The lack of basic care and disregard for animal welfare in this case was disgusting. On the day the dogs were seized the temperatures had dropped below freezing. Gus was so severely underweight he would have struggled to maintain any kind of body heat in those conditions.

“All of the dogs recovered well in our care and gained weight. Sadly, Gus had to have his tail amputated due to the severity of the untreated wound at the tip.

Sentencing | 12-month community payback order of 150 hours; 12-month supervision order. 11-year ban on owning or keeping animals.

Scottish SPCA News

Additional Information

In December 2020 the heartbroken owner of a cockapoo puppy purchased from prolific dog breeder Jay Kenny took to Facebook to warn others not to buy from him.

Tucker, who was bred by Jay Kenny, was put to sleep a few days after being diagnosed with parvovirus

The owner wrote that they had to take the puppy, Tucker, to a vet four days after bringing him home when he became severely unwell with sickness and diarrhoea.

The vet vet ran a test and confirmed that Tucker had parvovirus, a lethal condition for dogs.

The owner contacted Kenny, who denied there was anything wrong with the puppy. He refused to help with vet costs arguing that it was the owner’s decision to take the puppy to the vet. He agreed to refund the money paid for the puppy.

Tragically little Tucker failed to recover and was put to sleep.

The owner contacted Kenny again who demanded proof that Tucker had been euthanised. The owner provided this but Kenny went quiet and failed to answer calls and messages. No refund was ever forthcoming.

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Dunfermline, Fife: Michael Stobbs

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CONVICTED (2023) | Michael Stobbs, born 17 December 1987, previously of Lumphinnans, near Cowdenbeath, but now living in homeless accommodation in Dunfermline – neglected his loyal pet dog over several weeks and left him alone in an empty property for four days.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.
Dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.

Stobbs, now of Segal House, Segal Place KY12 8AZ , admitted that between January 10 and February 10, 2021, he caused Akita cross Samson unnecessary suffering by leaving him unattended for four days without food or water.

Akita cross Samson was locked in a kitchen with no food and water and left there for four days

He also failed to seek appropriate veterinary attention for the dog’s ear, eye and skin infections.

There was a request for disqualification but this was refused by the Sheriff.

SSPCA Inspector Nicola Liddell said, “On 10 February 2021, we attended Mr Stobbs’ property in response to calls to our helpline about a dog that had been left alone in the property for a number of days.

“On knocking hard at the door a muffled bark was heard indicating the dog was shut away in another room. Stobbs wasn’t home but returned to the property shortly after our arrival.

“Stobbs freely admitted to having left Samson unattended for four days, blaming the weather conditions for preventing him from tending to his dog.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine.

“Samson was locked in the kitchen and the door was secured shut with a screwdriver jammed into the door surround which Stobbs used a hammer to remove.

“Samson was very friendly in nature and was delighted to see us. He was obviously underweight with his ribs and hips easily seen from a distance. His skin was very itchy and infected over his back with noticeable hair loss.

“Both eyes were leaking a yellow discharge and both inner ears appeared tender and infected. Samson’s claws were also very overgrown and were beginning to displace the alignment of his toes.

Fife animal abuser Michael Stobbs' filthy kitchen where he left a dog to starve for four days

“The kitchen was strewn with litter and hazardous items such as cutlery, potato peelings, old food containers, cans and mouldy milk cartons. There were faeces on the floor and up the kitchen units.

“There were no dog bowls, just empty plastic food containers. When given water, Samson drank thirstily. Stobbs also gave him a small amount of food which he ate ravenously. Even though he was so thirsty and hungry, Samson sat and waited until he was told to take it.

“We took Samson to be examined by a vet who found no underlying health problems that could explain his low body weight.

“During his ear examination, Samson howled in pain. The chronic eye infections will also have caused him considerable discomfort and irritation for a minimum of three to four weeks but likely much longer.

“Samson was then taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres to receive the care and veterinary treatment he needed.

“Despite numerous attempts to contact Stobbs to arrange an interview, we received no response nor has he contacted us to check how Samson is doing.

“Thankfully, Samson responded well to medication for his skin, eyes and ears, and he also gained weight. No special or veterinary diets were necessary to improve his body condition.

Fife dog abuser Michael Stobbs walked free from court with a paltry fine. He was not banned from owning animals in future.

“We are disappointed that Stobbs only received a £400 fine this occasion as we do not feel this reflects the suffering caused to Samson.

“We hope he will be more conscientious in future about ensuring any animal he owns receives the appropriate care and veterinary treatment they require.”

Sentencing | fined £420.

Dunfermline Press
Scottish SPCA News

Dogs, Lifers, Serial Animal Abusers

Methil, Fife: Mary Walton and George Todd

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CONVICTED (2023) | Mary Walton, born c. 1960, and partner George Todd, born c. 1951, of Byron Street, Methil, Leven KY8 3JG – starved and neglected their pet dogs.

Animal abusers: George Todd and Mary Walton from Methil, Fife, Scotland. Image source: The Courier
Unremorseful serial animal abusers George Todd and Mary Walton are now banned for life from keeping them. Image source: The Courier

Mary Walton and George Todd, who had received a fiscal warning for animal neglect in 2017, received a lifetime ban on keeping animals after Rottweilers Beau, aged 4, and Nala, 2, were found starving and neglected.

Beau's skeleton was visible through his fur
Beau’s skeleton was visible through his fur

Beau was described as emaciated and scored just one out of nine for body condition. Nala was little better, scoring just two out of nine in the assessment.

Procurator fiscal depute Catherine Stevenson told the court two Scottish SPCA inspectors went to the couple’s home on June 28, 2022, after receiving a report of concern about the welfare of dogs at the property.

The court heard the dogs were in the kitchen and Walton needed her partner to help get them out, describing the pets as “wild”.

The fiscal depute said: “When the dogs were allowed out of the kitchen, they threw themselves into the room and began rummaging around and started licking anything that resembled a bowl.”

The dogs were removed and taken to a vet in Livingston, West Lothian.

The fiscal depute continued: “Beau was found to be extremely underweight, scoring 1/9 for body condition, with visible bones – including ribs and pelvis – and muscle loss”.

The court heard Nala scored a 2/9 for body condition.

Beau's skeleton was visible through his fur

The vet found the dogs’ ribs and pelvic bones were prominent, they ate “greedily” when offered food, had head wounds consistent with fighting and Beau had sores on the pelvis due to lying on hard surfaces.

By September 2022 the dogs were reported to be “doing well” and had gained 22% of body weight in just over nine weeks.

The cruel couple, who represented themselves in court, pleaded guilty to causing Beau and Nala unnecessary suffering by failing to provide them with adequate nutrition.

They admitted failing to seek veterinary treatment for weight and muscle loss.

They admitted a third charge of failing to meet the needs of the animals to the extent required by good practice, on June 28.

Sheriff Maryam Labaki described it as a “harrowing case” in which two animals “were starved and neglected”.

The sheriff said Walton had given an explanation of “not coping” but Todd had shown “no remorse”.

She added: “Your attitude is quite frankly despicable in the face of suffering you have caused.

“The court will, in relation to both accused, impose lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping any animal”.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Robyn Gray, said, “We’re pleased that Mary Walton and George Todd received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals.

“The couple previously received a fiscal warning in 2017 and we are glad that this outcome will prevent further harm to animals in their care.

“Both dogs were caused unnecessary suffering which could have been prevented.”

Sentencing | lifetime ban on keeping animals.

The Courier

Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Bucksburn, Aberdeen / Methil, Fife: Alexander Stewart and Jackie Stewart

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CONVICTED (2022) | hare coursers Alexander Stewart, born c. 1987, of Miltonfold, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9DR, and Jackie Stewart, aka John Stewart, born c. 1980, currently of Methil, Fife, but with a base at the notorious Clinterty travellers site in Aberdeen.

Alexander Stewart (left) and Jackie/John Stewart pictured outside court. Image credit: Courier

The Stewarts, who are Scottish travellers, pleaded guilty to wildlife offences after being caught hare coursing.

In the early morning of Sunday November 8, 2020, a local farmer spotted a Subaru belonging to Alexander Stewart in the Redwell Farm and the Balindarg area of Angus, near Forfar.

They called police because the same car had been used in earlier hare coursing incidents.

One witness saw one of the men with a lurcher-type dog and was left in no doubt they were hare coursing.

Police arrived and both Stewart and three boys were detained.

The men’s mobile phones were sent for analysis. where it was discovered Alexander Stewart’s phone held several voice note messages – including how he had bought a dog to kill hares.

Another revealed how he bought his Subaru vehicle to go poaching while a further clip showed that he had been poaching in Aberdeen. A chilling photo of a young boy holding a dead hare beside a lurcher was also found on the device.

Jackie Stewart’s phone revealed a text message from November 3 that two days earlier “a first chase killed it over down a road”.

The footage is blacked out as the phone is put into a pocket, but the sound keeps running. Alexander and Jackie Stewart can be heard discussing the decline of hares in the area due to the population dying out from them being killed.

It also held a video of him with Alexander Stewart and the boys on November 8, 2020, discussing discussing the decline of hares in the area due to them being killed.

Both men admitted hunting with several dogs at various locations in Angus and Aberdeenshire.

Sentencing |
Alexander Stewart was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Jackie Stewart was fined £1,000.
Both received a six-month ban on keeping dogs.

Daily Record
BBC News

Additional Information

Screenshot of Facebook conversation with Jackie Stewart, 26/11/2022
Dogs

Kirkcaldy, Fife: Siobhan Wallace

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CONVICTED (2022) | Siobhan Wallace, born 16 August 1986, of Valley Gardens, Kirkcaldy KY2 5UD – failed to get help for her dog when she had a weeping infection and claws so long they grew over her paw pads.

Convicted dog abuser Siobhan Wallace from Kirkcaldy, Fife. Picture: Facebook

Five-year-old Shih Tzu Daisy was removed from Siobhan Wallace’s care after SSPCA officers found her with severely overgrown fur, discharge coming from an ear and overgrown nails. Her coat was dry and flaky and pus was pouring from her ears, which were badly inflamed.

When officers asked Wallace if Daisy had received any medical help, she admitted she hadn’t attended a vet in seven months and blamed Covid-19.

The dog was removed and urgently taken to a local vet.

On examination, she was found to have an infection in both ears. She also had a 2.5cm mass-like lesion in her mouth which caused discomfort when touched.

Her nails were so long they had to be removed using forceps, with some wounds on her paws also infected.

In court, Wallace pleaded guilty to failing to provide medical care for her dog.

Convicted dog abuser Siobhan Wallace from Kirkcaldy, Fife. Picture: Facebook

Solicitor David Cranston, defending, said Wallace had saved the dog from her unscrupulous former owners.

“The dog had not been well-loved by its previous owners.

“It was kept outside and seems to have been used for breeding – this appears to have been quite lucrative.

“But having reached the end of her purpose the owners made her (Wallace) aware they were going to get rid of it and that would not have been in the most humane way.”

He said the dog was so terrified by her previous treatment, a grooming salon was unable to treat her on a one-to-one basis and the two-to-one ratio needed was forbidden by lockdown laws.

Mr Cranston added Wallace had taken steps to do right by the dog, stating: “She could have tied it to a tree and made it someone else’s problem but realising she had a problem, she contacted the SSPCA.”

Siobhan Wallace pictured during her court appearance. Source: The Courier

Sheriff Alison McKay said she was concerned by the amount of time it took Wallace to seek help from the Scottish SPCA.

However, she stopped short of issuing an animal banning order, stating it was apparent Wallace is now more aware of the expense of keeping a dog.

Speaking about the case, Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross admitted there was disappointment Wallace had not received a harsher punishment.

She said: “We are disappointed that Wallace hasn’t received a disqualification order but pleased she received a fine and that Daisy has gone on to find a loving new home where she will be cared for in the proper manner.

She added : “It would have been obvious that Daisy was uncomfortable and we would expect any reasonable owner to have recognised this and sought veterinary treatment sooner.”

Sentencing | £375 fine and a £20 victim surcharge.

Daily Record

Dogs, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

St Andrews, Fife: Bradley Simpson

2 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Bradley Simpson, born 3 January 1998, of Watson Avenue, St Andrews KY16 8JE but with links to Honeygreen Road, Dundee DD4 8BG – stabbed his mother’s pet dog to death with a screwdriver.

Bradley Simpson stabbed a dog to death with a screwdriver and buried his burned remains in a local park.
Bradley Simpson stabbed a dog to death with a screwdriver and buried his burned remains in a local park.

Violent career criminal and drug abuser Simpson walked free from court with a 33-month ban on keeping animals and a social work referral after admitting repeatedly stabbing the German shepherd, called Buddy, with a screwdriver in Dundee.

Simpson formed part of the search party after Buddy was reported missing, before telling his mother: “You will never see him again. I’ve killed him.”

The remains of Buddy the German Shepherd were found burned and buried in a shallow grave
The remains of Buddy the German Shepherd were found burned and buried in a shallow grave.

The much-loved family pet had been in the family home when they went to bed but was missing the next morning. An alert was posted for the missing animal on a locally-targeted social media site and a search was carried out by a number of people.

Meanwhile, Simpson’s mother saw a pool of blood at the door of her home and splashes of blood within the living room and kitchen area.
When she went outside to investigate further she saw more blood spattering on the side of the house.

Simpson was quizzed about what had happened and made comments about killing the dog and telling his family they would never see him again.

The search for Buddy came to an end when a horrified dog walker in a local park saw a scorched patch of ground close to a mound of disturbed soil which looked like it had been recently dug. When the mound was scraped back it revealed the charred remains of a dog, which was subsequently confirmed to be missing Buddy.

Simpson later spoke about being inspired to carry out the horrific slaying of the family pet after watching a Netflix series based around rescue dogs.

He admitted causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering. A not guilty plea to burning and dumping the dog in the park to conceal his crime was accepted by the Crown.

Solicitor Theo Finlay, defending, told the court: his client had been misusing drugs and this “has had a pretty catastrophic effect on him mentally.”

The dog killer had previously complained he had become “a target” during a period of remand in prison.

Simpson has a number of previous convictions, including for domestic abuse, under-age sex offending, theft and assault to permanent disfigurement.

Sentencing | three-year social work supervision order. Disqualified from owning or keeping any animal for just 33 months.

Courier (behind paywall)

Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species, Reptiles / Exotics

Cardenden, Fife: Patricia Steven

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | hoarder Patricia Steven, born 9 December 1968, of Carden Avenue, Cardenden, Lochgelly – kept a menagerie of neglected pets in her filthy home.

During a search of Steven’s home on November 5, 2020, Scottish SPCA officers discovered two dogs with infections and an underfed snake, as well as 11 cats in the attic.

Steven had failed to provide necessary veterinary treatment for dogs Shadow and Cordy, both of whom were infested with fleas and suffering a chronic skin condition. Shadow, an elderly black Labrador, eventually had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

She was also found to have failed to provide a “safe environment” for 11 cats and kittens, alongside an underweight adult corn snake.

Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross said, “On 5 November 2020, we attended Patricia Steven’s property in response to concerns for two dogs and a number of cats and kittens.

“Steven was continually uncooperative and she claimed the animals were no longer at the property, despite multiple credible witnesses reporting their concerns.

“A warrant was executed to search the property on 23rd November 2020. Due to Steven’s hostile nature, Police Scotland assisted Scottish SPCA inspectors.

“We went up the stairs and immediately saw an open hatch on the ceiling leading to the attic where a group of cats and kittens were being kept. We were concerned that the felines could have fallen from this height and become injured.

“The loft was partially floored and very unsafe. There was lots of exposed insulation and the cats were covered in this material.

“The cats were scratching themselves incessantly. They appeared distressed and were behaving erratically.

“We found two dogs living in filthy conditions in the kitchen. Shadow, an elderly black Labrador, was lying in amongst rubbish bags. He was emaciated with very prominent hair loss down his back and legs.

“Cordy, a white Staffordshire bull terrier type dog, was frantically foraging in the bin bags looking for food. She was also emaciated and had an obvious skin complaint, with hair loss, and thickened areas on her back.

“A corn snake was also found living in a makeshift enclosure in a living room cabinet.

“All animals were removed from the property. A vet confirmed both dogs were severely malnourished and underweight. They also confirmed both dogs were suffering from a severe flea infestation and ear infections. Shadow also had inflammation and infection in both eyes.

“The cats were taken to one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres where they were treated immediately for their severe flea infestation. Most of the cats had varying degrees of flea allergy dermatitis. Some cats had hair loss and some areas of scabs.

“One of the cats, Fred, required dental treatment and was found to have a grade four heart murmur.”

A vet later assessed both dogs to have a body condition score of two out of nine – with one being the most emaciated – and said it would have taken at least three weeks to reach this state.

Steven admitted causing suffering to two dogs, 11 cats and the snake by failing to provide adequate care between August and November 2020.

Solicitor Peter Robertson, defending, said Steven was an animal lover who had found herself “overwhelmed” by trying to care for so many animals on a limited income.

“She thought she could solve the problem herself. She’s very upset by it all. She’s been in tears going through it with me – almost hysterically so.

“She’s not deliberately set out to harm animals.”

Sheriff Timothy Niven-Smith hit back saying: “It doesn’t cost anything to lift faecal matter from your back doorstep.

“There’s homeless people who have dogs and beg on the streets who, with no funds whatsoever, manage to feed and care for their animals.

“I don’t see how this is solely down to lack of finance.”

Sentencing | 108-day curfew. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

STV News
Central Fife Times

Cats, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Dunfermline, Fife: Gideon Stewart

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Gideon Stewart, born 23 July 1997, most recently of Halkett Crescent, Dunfermline KY11 4PH – drop-kicked a nine-week-old kitten while in a drunken rage.

Animal abuser and woman beater Gideon Stewart from Dunfermline, Fife
Big hard man Gideon Stewart takes out his aggression on women and small animals

Gideon Stewart, who has at least one previous conviction for alcohol-related violence, became abusive to his then-partner and her friends at a house party in Dunfermline’s Bute Crescent.

He spat in her face and called her a “slag” when she told him to stop.

Stewart appeared in the dock from custody to admit the offending, which took place on December 14 2020.

Sheriff Charles Macnair told him he was lucky not to have killed the defenceless animal during the violent outburst.

Animal abuser and woman beater Gideon Stewart from Dunfermline, Fife

Procurator fiscal depute Laura McManus told the court Stewart was in his girlfriend’s home, where she was drinking with friends.

He began drinking alcohol and began acting aggressively as he “got drunker”.

At around 2am, he began to make sexually explicit abusive comments towards the group.

When his girlfriend asked him to stop, he spat in her face and verbally abused her.

Ms McManus continued: “The accused stated: ‘I’m going to smash all of you. You are all getting it’.

“He punched a wall and went into the hallway and picked up the complainer’s nine-week-old kitten and dropped it on his foot and kicked into the kitten.

Animal abuser and woman beater Gideon Stewart from Dunfermline, Fife

The fiscal depute said her friends described him as “drop-kicking the kitten.”

Stewart then punched a hole in a wall, threatened to “put his girlfriend through a window” and told her “she was nothing.”

Police were called to the scene and found Stewart hiding in bed.
He was arrested and handcuffed and taken to Dunfermline police station. When a constable tried to remove the cuffs, he spat on his arm.

Stewart pled guilty to kicking a kitten and causing it unnecessary suffering and assaulting his then-partner.

He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and assaulting a police officer.

Defence lawyer Brian Black said his client was “ashamed” and acknowledged anger management and alcohol have been problems for him.

Sheriff Charles Macnair told Stewart: “You kicked a defenceless animal and it was fortunate that animal seems to have survived the experience.”

Sentencing | 405 days in jail, backdated to January 27, 2022, when he was remanded in custody. He was also placed on a supervised release order for 200 days. A non-harassment order was also made to not contact the complainer in this case for 18 months.

Courier