Tag Archives: Hertfordshire

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Lifers, Pet Theft, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Stevenage, Hertfordshire: Mark Linford

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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

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Kings Langley, Hertfordshire: Tyreicke Williams

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CONVICTED (2022) | Tyreicke Williams, born 20 August 1994, originally from Brixton but currently of Home Park Mill Link, Kings Langley WD4 8FW – threw a wooden stick so hard at his dog that it snapped.

Williams was caught on camera attacking bull terrier Nova in his garden in September 2021.

Nova was curled up by a fence when a half-naked Williams is seen launching a piece of wood.

RSPCA inspector Stephen Reeves said sound from a video captured by a neighbour indicated Nova was hit multiple times.

He said: “The video started out of shot of the incident, but you could hear something being hit twice, the video then pans to a male.

“The male hit the dog so hard with the wooden pole that the wooden pole broke on what appeared to be the third strike and he then threw the other part of the wooden pole at the dog.”

The video of the attack on September 9 in Home Park Mill Link Road was sent to the RSPCA in October, with the dog subsequently seized from Williams by police.

Nova remains in the care of the RSPCA and is said to be doing “really well”, but the animal welfare charity said a vet wrote in a report it was their opinion Nova “experienced significant fear and pain”.

The vet added: “Nova’s body language is submissive. He has positioned himself to make himself as small as possible, his tail is tucked between his legs and his head carriage is low with flattened ears. These are classic signs of fear in dogs.”

Sentencing | 18-week suspended prison sentence; 100 hours of unpaid work; costs totalling £4,762, Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

Herts Advertiser
Watford Observer

Additional Information

Alternative address for Tyreicke Williams: 55 Wiltshire Road, Brixton, London SW9 7NE.

Williams is a ‘drill’ rapper and performs under the name Stickz or Stizzy Stickz. Instagram profile here. YouTube channel here.

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire: Claire Hollis

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CONVICTED (2022) | Claire Kathleen Hollis, born 22 September 1985, of no fixed address – left two horses to suffer.

“Both horses were deemed to be suffering unnecessarily” reports vet as their owner, Claire Hollis, is banned from keeping equines
Claire Hollis is banned from keeping equines after starving and neglecting Peps and Rupert. Both horses have recovered in the care of Redwings horse charity.

The RSPCA was contacted in February 2021 by welfare officers from Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Harlow. They raised concerns for the welfare of two horses known as Peps and Rupert, who were being kept in a field off Pond Lane in Bishop’s Stortford.

A vet was called to examine the horses, and they confirmed both Peps and Rupert to have a body condition score of just 0.5 out of 5.

In her witness statement, RSPCA Inspector Jessica Dayes said: “It was clear straight away when the mare’s rug was taken off that she was in poor body condition.

“Her hips, ribs and spine were all clearly visible and easy to feel. She also had diarrhea running down her back legs and rubs on her shoulders caused by the rug. The rug was put back on after examination due to the very cold weather, and the vet raised concerns that she was hypothermic.

Inspector Dayes added: “When the vet examined the Welsh pony it was clear he was also very underweight. When I felt under his winter coat I could feel his spine and hips, he also had lice and dandruff seen heavily in his mane. The vet also showed me an area on his hip that was swollen and uncomfortable when touched.”

The vet remarked in their witness statement: “At the time they were seized both horses were deemed to be suffering unnecessarily under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as there was no provision for their basic needs of food and water.

“The poor body condition of both horses indicated that this lack of provision of food had been an ongoing problem resulting in significant weight loss. Provision of adequate food and water, a basic requirement of a responsible owner, would have prevented this suffering occurring.

“The lack of food must have occurred over a protracted period, of weeks rather than days, to allow for the poor body condition score to be achieved.”

The District Judge noted there was evident suffering and there had been a failure to provide care for the equines. He stated the fact Hollis believed the animals were fine as they were found was an insult.

Jo Franklin, Redwings Senior Field Officer, said: “This was a very upsetting case and we are so pleased that justice has been done. Both horses have made really good progress since coming to Redwings, they have now settled in well at one of our sites in Norfolk and have made a great recovery thanks to our vets and care staff.”

Sentencing: community order with curfew; £895 costs and charges. 10-year ban on keeping horses.

Everything Horse
Your Harlow

Dogs, Hoarders, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire: Stephen Flitton, Susie Tower and Leanne Richardson

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CONVICTED (2021) | Steve Flitton, Susie Tower and Leanne ‘Lea’ Richardson all of Gade Valley Cottages, Dagnall Road, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3BW – kept starving dogs in tiny crates.

Animal abusers Susie Towers , Leanne Richardson and Steve Flitton from Hemel Hempstead along with the surviving dogs
Photo montage shows Susie Towers (top left), Leanne Richardson (top right) and Steve Flitton along with the surviving dogs Sandy (centre left), Storm (centre right) and Breeze (bottom left). Their filthy property is also pictured.

Flitton, Tower and Richardson were banned from keeping dogs for life after pleading guilty to four counts of allowing an animal to suffer unnecessarily.

Dacorum Borough Council successfully brought a prosecution against the vile trio in relation to their mistreatment of four dogs removed from their home in December 2020.

All pleaded guilty to eight offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Animal abusers: Susie Tower and Lea Richardson from Hemel Hempstead
Susie Tower (left) and Lea Richardson

Council Animal Welfare Officers first started attending the property in July 2020 and found it to be in a filthy and hoarded condition. Several of the dogs were found in small crates and were left to urinate inside the crates.

During one visit, an officer from the council observed two dogs urinating through the crates and onto the carpet.

Following unsuccessful attempts to engage with Flitton, Towers and Richardson, the council executed a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 on December 21, 2020.

Animal abuser: Steven Flitton from Hemel Hempstead

Four dogs were taken into possession and removed from the property to safeguard their welfare.

The dogs were found to be in an emaciated and poor condition with one being so neglected she sadly passed away.

A second dog was signed over to Dacorum Borough Council, and following her recovery was rehomed.

The remaining two dogs are currently under the care of Dacorum Borough Council and will now be rehomed.

The surviving dogs are named Breeze, Sandy and Storm.

The investigating officer, Dacorum Borough Council’s Animal Welfare Officer Rachel Smith, said: “This was a lengthy investigation, spanning over 5 months, during which time we have made every effort to engage with the family.

“All animals deserve to be cared for appropriately and it is never acceptable to neglect an animal or allow an animal to suffer, regardless of your personal circumstances.

“I am pleased with the courts’ decision to disqualify all three owners from owning any animals as this reflects the suffering that was caused to these dogs, which could have easily been avoided.

“Hopefully now, the remaining two dogs can continue with their rehabilitation and go on to lead a full and happy life.”

Sentencing |
Flitton: 12-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, £300 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.
Tower and Richardson: 12-month community order, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, £120 fine, £300 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

All three were disqualified from keeping and owning all animals for life.

Hemel Today
Planet Radio

Dogs

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire: Garry and Claire Miller

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CONVICTED (2021) | company director Garry John Miller, born December 1973, and wife Claire Miller (nee Shipman), age unknown, of Knights Orchard, Hemel Hempstead HP1 3QA – for the significant neglect and mistreatment of their West Highland terrier

Garry and Claire Miller were disqualified from keeping dogs for five years after pleading guilty to an offence of causing unnecessary suffering to their dog, a Westie called Daisy.

Daisy was found straying, in the Hemel Hempstead area on Friday, October 16, 2020 and signed over to Dacorum Borough Council.

The examining vet said that Daisy was in very poor condition. Her coat was described as greasy and matted, she had dried faeces in her coat and her ears were infected with thick smelly discharge.

Both her eyes had significant discharge and she also had an ingrown dew claw which had grown into her leg causing an infected wound.

Cllr Julie Banks, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “This case sends out a clear message about how seriously Dacorum Borough Council and the courts take the issue of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

“It is never acceptable to neglect an animal and I pay tribute to our Animal Welfare Team who have helped Daisy recover and find a new home for her.”

The Investigating Officer, Dacorum Borough Council Animal Welfare Officer, Rachel Smith said: “Daisy was an older dog who deserved to be cared for her in twilight years.

“There is support available through local charities and rehoming centres, who can assist owners who may be suffering financially.

“Daisy’s suffering could easily have been avoided. Following Daisy coming into Dacorum Borough Council care, she has gone on to make a full recovery and has now settled well into her new forever home.”

Sentencing: Claire Miller was ordered to pay £120 fine, £34 victim surcharge and £750 costs. Garry Miller was ordered to pay £1,000 fine, £100 victim surcharge and £750 costs. Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expires May 2026).

Hemel Today

Animal Torture, Cats, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Cheshunt, Hertfordshire: Adam Hasani

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CONVICTED (2021) | Adam Ahmed Hasani, born 4 January 1990, of Napier Court, Flamstead End Road, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross EN8 0JD – killed a kitten and “seriously injured” a second.

Kitten Biscuit was badly beaten by her owner but recovered in the RSPCA's care
Kitten Biscuit was badly beaten by her sadistic owner but recovered in the RSPCA’s care Another cat named Simba very sadly died from his injuries

Former airline steward and waiter Hasani inflicted “blunt force trauma” upon two kittens at a property near Stratford, causing multiple injuries that left vets with no choice but to euthanize one.

On June 8 , 2020, Hasani took his tabby kitten “Simba” to Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Pimlico with a suspected broken jaw.

Vets spoke to Hasani about about how the injury had taken place, to which he responded Simba had fallen off some cupboards. The kitten was discharged two days later.

However, one week later, Hasani again contacted Blue Cross as the kitten had sustained another injury, claiming this time he had hit his head on the cooker.

Hasani brought the kitten in later that day, where he was examined by a vet and found with head injuries.

The vet believed the injuries were suspicious, and reported the incident to the RSPCA due to their nature. Simba was later put down down due to the severity of his injuries.

On October 9, a second male kitten belonging to Hasani named “Biscuit” was taken to the same hospital to be treated for injuries.

After being asked what had happened, Hasani said he had been attempting to bath the ginger and white kitten after she had excreted on his bed.

He explained that the kitten had jumped out the bath and he had tried to get her back into the water.

The vet found the kitten had suffered a dislocated sternum and multiple other injuries believed to have been sustained in the same incident.
Again the injuries were reported to the RSPCA.

Hasani was detained and, in interview, said that any injury caused to the kittens was “not done on purpose or maliciously”.

The former airline steward and waiter did, however, accept that he “should have known better”.

Hasani pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

In mitigation, the court heard Hasani had been “emotionally tortured” and this was “not some sadistic infliction of pain”.

However, magistrates said he had carried out “a series of offences against two defenceless animals” and his actions passed the custody threshold.

Sentencing: 16 weeks in prison. Unspecified ban on owning animals.

My London

Additional information

Hasani is now believed to be living at the following address: 63 Alexander Road, Tollington, Islington, London N19 4JN

Cats, Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Hatfield, Hertfordshire: Daniel Stasik

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CONVICTED (2019) | Daniel Stasik, born c. 1988, of Walker Grove, Hatfield AL10 9PL – allowed his banned-breed ‘fighting’ dog to savage a pet cat and failed to get help for the stricken animal.

Shelly, a cat that was fatally injured by a dog in Hatfield, just before she died.
Pet cat Shelly suffered horrific injuries in a dog attack from which she would never recover

At around 11am on June 23, 2018, a pitbull-type dog owned by Daniel Stasik chased a cat named Shelly into an alleyway in Walker Grove and attacked her. Stasik grabbed the dog, but was unable to keep control of him.

He did not attempt to assist the cat or find her owners to get medical assistance.

Around 1am the following morning, Shelly was found by her owner in a nearby garden covered in blood and faeces and unable to place any weight on her hind legs.

Due to the length of time she had been left, there were maggots around her wounds.

Over the next few days, Shelly’s condition deteriorated and following multiple treatments and attempts at resuscitation, she died from her injuries on July 1, 2018.

On July 20, officers from the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit attended Stasik’s address to execute a warrant to seize his dog.

The dog was examined and confirmed to be substantially a pit bull-type.

Stasik was reported to court for possessing a fighting dog under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

At court, Stasik pleaded guilty to possessing a fighting dog and, while initially pleading not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Shelly, was found guilty of that offence.

PC Gavin Richardson, from the Welwyn Hatfield West Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Pit bulls are banned in the UK and Stasik’s dog posed a very serious danger to public safety.

“Not only did Stasik have possession of a banned dog breed, but he made no attempts to help save the cat and instead simply left her to die.

“This was extremely distressing for her owners who found their beloved pet in an incredibly distressed state with horrendous injuries.

“I hope that this sentence provides some justice for the victims and that the public feel safe knowing that Stasik will not be allowed to have dog for another decade.”

Sentencing | 240 hours of unpaid community work. Ordered to pay compensation to Shelly’s owners for vet costs and to the police for kenneling costs. Banned from having custody of a dog for 10 years. Stasik’s dog was ordered to be put down, unless an appeal is lodged within 21 days.

Welwyn Hatfield Times

Additional Information

We’re building quite a profile on this piece of filth. He is from Poland. He came to the UK in 2009 to work as a painter/decorator but is now living on benefits.

He showed no remorse in court and he and his friend seemed to find the proceedings amusing.

He freely admitted in court that he beat his dog.

Another cat belonging to Shelly’s heartbroken owner died after being deliberately poisoned. This happened just after Stasik was charged. Coincidence?

Stasik has another address in Prayle Grove, London NW2 1BD 

Animal Torture, Cats, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire: Alexander Phillips

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CONVICTED (2018) | Alexander Charles Phillips, born 1 October 1999, previously of Barrells Down Road, Bishop’s Stortford and as at December 2021 of Oldfield Lane, Bath BA2 3NP – kicked, strangled and suffocated a family’s pet cat to “teach it a lesson”

Phillips, then a sixth-form boarder at Old Swinford Hospital School, Stourbridge, West Midlands,  abducted and tortured a school friend’s 10-year-old cat Mollie after she had scratched him.

Phillips repeatedly kicked Mollie, tried to strangle and drown her, before finally suffocating her and hiding her body behind a sofa.

The prosecutor said the sinister attack had ‘overtones of a Stephen King novel’, while District Judge Steven Jonas described Phillips’ actions as ‘one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have ever come across’.

Mr Stephen Blower, prosecuting, said it was thought Phillips provoked the elderly rescue cat into scratching him.

Phillips returned to the house in Stourbridge a few days later and sneaked Mollie out in a bag.

Back at his school accommodation, he ‘kicked the cat as hard as he could until he saw blood coming from her mouth’ said Mr Blower.

Then he grabbed the animal by the neck and tried to strangle her.

Half dead, the cat was put in a drawer so she would not be found while he went to play on his Xbox with the owner’s son.

Phillips later told police he also placed the animal under a tap of running water.

The court heard that when he returned to his room, the cat was dead in the drawer, either from her injuries or having suffocated.

“But the unsavoury aspects of this case don’t end there as he took the cat back to the house and placed it behind the sofa in the living room,” said Mr Blower.

Expert opinions were sought from two vets. One said the animal had suffered ‘intolerable and extreme pain and suffering’ while the other described the cat’s fate as a ‘prolonged, sadistic attack amounting to torture.’

Phillips, who continued to visit his friend’s home in Stourbridge while the cat was missing, finally confessed what he had done to the school matron who informed the family.

He claimed to love the cat but told police he ‘felt rejected’ by her after she scratched him.

Mr Patrick Currie, defending, said Phillips suffered from mental health problems, including Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD.

His father’s death from suicide had had a ‘substantial’ impact on him, leading to anger issues. Phillips had killed the cat on an ‘impulse’, he claimed.

Phillips pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and to criminal damage by destroying the animal.

Sentencing | 17 weeks in a young offenders institution.

Express & Star

Animal Torture, Bestiality / Zoophilia, Dogs, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders, Worst of the Worst

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire: Christopher Mason

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CONVICTED (2018) | Christopher Benjamin James Mason, born 24/11/1996, of 10 Cloverfield, Welwyn Garden City AL7 1EG – possession of extreme pornographic images involving an animal, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and conspiracy to destroy property.

The charges involved Mason punching and burning a dog’s stomach with hot blades, as well as destroying a load of signs and property all to do with animals.

Sentencing: 
Mason was given an 18-month community order, a rehabilitation order, an 18-month mental health treatment requirement and 50 hours of unpaid work.

Mason’s mother Kim Taylor was also sentenced for causing damage to signs and property to do with animals. She was given a six-month community order, a 15-day rehabilitation requirement and a £50 fine.

Welwyn Hatfield Times

Dogs

St Albans, Hertfordshire: Anne-Marie Fleming

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CONVICTED (2018) Anne-Marie Fleming, born c. 1986, of Gillian Avenue, St Albans AL1 2QH – for cruelty offences involving four dogs

Fleming caused unnecessary suffering to a dog known as Lady (also known as Elsa) – by failing to adequately explore and address her ear condition between 10 and 24 December 2017.

She also failed to ensure her four dogs were provided with a suitable environment that was hygienic and/or free from hazards between the same dates.

Sentencing
Total fines and costs of £460. No ban.

Source (removed): Herts Advertiser