Tag Archives: Knowsley

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Worst of the Worst

Prescot, Merseyside: Leah Best and Dean Nevin

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CONVICTED (2024) | Leah Best, born 5 August 1999, and Dean Daniel Christopher Nevin, born c. 1996, of Hughes Avenue, Prescot L5* – abandoned their dogs to die after an argument.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Peter Mitchell, prosecuting, shared photos of the couple’s Prescot flat which had been abandoned for at least two months between July and September 2023.

The RSPCA called on Merseyside Police to help gain entry to the property after dogs could be heard locked inside on September 19.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Officers found a Staffy crossbreed named Lilly with her three puppies on top of a dirty mattress surrounded by urine and faeces. The court heard that the animals were “thin” and had “obvious skin conditions” due to months on neglect.

One of the puppies was sadly found dead underneath her mum,

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Mr Mitchell told the court that the six-month-old dog had been “visibly mauled” as the remaining dogs had “resorted to scavenging [her]” after she had died.

Elsewhere in the flat, RSPCA officers found that the dogs had chewed on empty tin cans as well as other bits of rubbish that was flung about the property.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

An RSPCA inspector spoke to Best via her social worker, the court heard.

She claimed she had walked out of the flat and gave Lilly to “someone on the stairs” but wasn’t able to tell the investigators who that was.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Nevin was tracked down and interviewed where he accepted that he’d owned Lilly for around two years and her litter of puppies were “unplanned”.

He said that there had been a “big argument” before the couple, who have seven children between them, walked away from the property.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Defending both, Joe Bleasdale, said: “I accept this does not make for pleasant listening. It is an enormously tragic case.”

He went on to appeal to the district judge that the couple stood before him are remorseful and both “wished they had done something sooner”.

Mr Bleasdale added that the pair have been cooperating with the courts and were aware of “just how serious” the situation is.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

District Judge Timothy Boswell branded what Best and Nevin subjected the animals to as “prolonged neglect”.

He said: “It seems to me that these dogs were a part of your family. You bear the responsibility to make sure they’re cared for and the pictures I’ve seen show the tragic consequences of your actions.

“These animals were left alone and hungry. Because of that one died and it is only through the work of vets that the remaining animals survived.”

He said that, despite all the evidence, he would not be sending them to prison. He said: “There are realistic prospects of rehabilitation and there would be a significant impact on your family if you were sent to prison.”

Sentencing | 26-week custodial suspended for a year. A five-year ban on keeping animals.

Liverpool Echo
Mirror
North Wales Live

*Alternative addresses:
Leah Best: Johnson Avenue, Prescot L35 5HD
Dean Nevin: Coronation Drive, Prescot L35 5ES

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

Kirkby, Merseyside: Karl Draper

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CONVICTED (2024) | Karl Anthony Draper, born c. 2000, of Jade Close, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 6YH – attacked his girlfriend’s French bulldog puppy more than once during sustained campaign of domestic violence.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.

MMA fighter Draper had been with Bekah Smith for around three years until their split in September 2023. Ms Smith then told the police that he had subjected her to verbal and physical abuse throughout their time together.

Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting, described how Ms Smith had previously “made excuses for his behaviour” and “stayed with him because she loved him”, but she “kept photographs and recordings” evidencing his numerous assaults.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.
French bulldog puppy Angel was also targeted by violent headcase Karl Draper

The first such incident came on April 15 2021, when Draper kicked the French bulldog puppy they had bought only a few days earlier in her side, causing the dog, named Angel, to “yelp in pain”. This would be one of many occasions when heavy cannabis user Draper took his frustrations out on the puppy.

Numerous other incidents followed which included Draper repeatedly making threats of self-harm, leaving Ms Smith feeling emotionally blackmailed into continuing with the relationship. She also suffered multiple physical assaults, including throttling, at the hands of Draper even during pregnancy and after the birth of their son.

On one voice recording, Draper is heard chillingly telling Ms Smith that she would “end up in the morgue”.

Draper also damaged property including a child’s games console during his many violent rages.

After his behaviour was reported to the police, he told officers Ms Smith “was a liar” and said the marks around her throat in photographs had been an “allergic reaction or make up”.

Ultimately, Draper admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was not charged with animal cruelty.

Ken Heckle, defending, told the court that his client suffers from issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD and self harm.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.

Sentencing, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC said: “People who use this type of abuse, of putting their hands around the throat, are committing serious offences, and that type of behaviour will always be regarded by the court as a real warning sign – a red flag that something more serious might happen in the future. Anyone who puts their hands around somebody else’s throat and squeezes is to be regarded as a high risk.

“All of this has had a significant and profound effect on Rebecca Smith. I am perfectly satisfied that the consequences of your behaviour towards her have caused her very significant psychological harm.

“Often, people such as you who engage in domestic abuse have two faces – the one presented to the public and the more sinister one which emerges in the context of an intimate relationship. You cannot claim to be someone of good character when your conduct has spanned a period of three years.

“However, I do take into account your immaturity and your struggles with your mental health. I am perfectly satisfied that, despite the mitigation available to you, immediate imprisonment is the only appropriate sentence to represent the serious nature of the abuse committed by you.”

Sentencing | two-year custodial. Five-year restraining order.

Liverpool Echo
Daily Mail

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Huyton, Merseyside: Brenda Pilling and Darren Horsford

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CONVICTED (2023) | Brenda Pilling, born c. 1980, and partner Darren Horsford, born c. 1974, of Mardale Road, Huton – for the shocking neglect of multiple dogs, leading to the deaths of two of them.

Police were called to the home of Brenda Pilling and Darren Horsford on on June 14, 2022, after receiving reports of a dog being “left out in the heat with no food or water”.

Peter Mitchell, prosecuting, described how Ibizan hound Missy was found by officers “in a collapsed state” and “malnourished and lifeless” on the “extremely hot day”.

As arrangements were being made for her to be removed from the property, Horsford and Pilling arrived at the address – where two other dogs were also being kept – and were said to have behaved in a “hostile and aggressive” manner. They claimed that the pet in question was being treated by vet charity the PDSA

The RSPCA then visited on June 17, 2022, and found an underweight German shepherd called Nala, who was “struggling to walk normally” due to hip dysplasia.

A Staffordshire bull terrier-type by the name of Smokey was also found to be underweight.

Under interview with inspectors, Pilling claimed that she had been feeding Missy a diet of pasta, chicken, rice, salmon and eggs since she had begun to lose weight around mid-May, but that this had not brought about an improvement.

Pilling stated that they had then taken her to the PDSA, who “said there was nothing wrong with the dog”.

The charity had no records of such a visit however.

When Horsford was spoken to, he said he “smelled a rat” and suspected they had “given the wrong diagnosis and were trying to cover it up”.

Upon examination, Missy was found to weigh 10.75kg – or “at least 50 per cent underweight” – and was unable to stand. She then contracted pyometra, an infection of the womb which would “normally be easily treatable”.

But the dog was deemed unable to undergo anaesthesia due to her emaciated condition. She was therefore put to sleep “on humane grounds”.

Nala, who weighed in at 24.2kg, was said to have an “abnormal gait” and was “cow hocked”. She was said to be in “clear pain” and was also euthanized.

Smokey meanwhile had “no other health issues” other than being underweight at 13.4kg, and remains in the care of the RSPCA.

The charity’s investigation found that the dogs’ conditions were “most likely due to an inadequate diet”.

Kevin Liston, appearing on behalf of Pilling, said of the mum to two disabled children: “She is somebody who is not malicious towards animals but is someone who is deficient, both in terms of her personal capacity and finances, to address those conditions.

“She is someone who has sponsored animal charities over the years, she took these animals in from rescue centres.

“These dogs were looked after and in a good state for a period of time. She has accepted responsibility in part and displayed a level of remorse.

“She is someone who was moved and upset when informed of the fact they had been euthanized. She has had dogs for a number of years.”

Oliver Saddington, defending Horsford, told the court: “The suffering was unnecessary, and he is prepared to take his punishment for it. He wants to apologise.

“It is clear he is someone with affection in his life. He is a father and a carer.”

Horsford and Pilling were both found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to comply with the duties of a person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare following a trial, which was held in their absence at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.

Sentencing the pair, the judge said: “These were prolonged and repeated incidences of neglect with a deliberate disregard for the welfare of the animals.

“It is clear that these animals would have suffered. There are certainly personal issues within your lives which may put the offences into context.

“It is also clear there may be issues with regards to finances in the family home, trying to feed three dogs as well as keeping a roof over your heads.

“I am satisfied that you are not fit and proper persons to own or keep dogs.”

Sentencing | 34-week custodial suspended for one year; 25 days of rehabilitation activity. Horsford was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. £3,392 in costs to be deducted from their benefits. Both were given a a 10-year ban on keeping all animals. Deprivation order on a fourth dog called Bud.

Liverpool Echo

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Kirkby, Merseyside: Steven Johnson

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CONVICTED (2023) | Steven Johnson, born c. 1998, of Westhead Avenue, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 0XG – kept his dog in disgusting conditions.

Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the incompetent care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson
Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson

Johnson had denied neglecting 18-month-old bulldog Diego, but was found guilty in his absence at a trial.

RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson visited the property in Westhead Avenue in June 2022 after being sent photos of the flat which was filthy and littered with rubbish and used food cans.

Bull-breed dog Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson
The floors of every room in Johnson’s flat were caked in dirt, piled with rubbish and swarming with flies

The officer told Johnson his dog would not be able to return to living in such an unhygienic environment as this was a breach of animal welfare laws. Johnson told her he hadn’t been living at the flat and had already started to clean it up. He was given the opportunity to rectify the situation but when Inspector Lupson returned weeks later, she found conditions had deteriorated further.

Bull-breed dog Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson

She said: “Straight away I could see a large amount of flies and noted rubbish at the bottom and all the way up the stairs to the flat. At the top of the stairs I was greeted by more flies and a large pile of filled rubbish bags.

“The floor was caked in dirt and there was nowhere clean to stand. Rubbish and household items also littered the floor. I was hesitant at this point to go further as I already knew the property was in no fit state for a human or an animal to live in.

Bull-breed dog Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson

“When I saw the bathroom I had to try hard not to gag, it was in a disgusting condition. The sink was blocked with dirty water to the top and what appeared to be faeces caked to the toilet. The kitchen was filthy, again containing filled rubbish bags and the floor covered in dirt.

“The bedroom was also in a similar condition with the floor caked in dirt and rubbish strewn on the bed and floor.”

Bull-breed dog Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson

In interview, Johnson agreed that the living conditions for Diego were unsuitable and he was sorry for not meeting his dog’s needs. Despite this acknowledgement, Johnson repeatedly refused to sign the dog over to the RSPCA. A deprivation order was, however, granted by the court allowing the charity to rehome the dog.

Bull-breed dog Diego endured unimaginable squalor while in the care of Kirkby man Steven Johnson
 A deprivation order was imposed allowing the RSPCA to legally rehome Diego after Johnson had repeatedly refused to sign him over

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, inspector Lupson described the environment in which Diego was kept as “unsanitary and hazardous and totally unsuitable for humans and animals to be living in.”

She added: “Diego is now enjoying life which is lovely to see. His welfare is much improved and we will be looking to rehome him.”

Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence to be served concurrently with a custodial term received for unrelated offences. Disqualified from keeping all animals for ten years (expires May 2033).

ITV News
Liverpool Echo

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

Kirkby, Merseyside: Stephen Agar

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CONVICTED (2022) | Stephen Osman Agar, born c. 1967, previously of Skelmersdale, Lancashire, and more recently Broad Lane, Kirkby – stabbed his neighbour’s black Labrador because he didn’t like him barking.

Agar was jailed for 26 weeks for his cruel attack on the dog, known as Sully, on November 6, 2021. The court heard Agar had complained to his neighbour on previous occasions about the noise Sully made when he barked. That day the woman said Agar had been banging on the ceiling to his flat.

At 5.55pm, Sully’s owner went to take her dog to meet a friend. As she approached the front door of the flats, Agar came out, saying: “What’s all the f***ing noise?” He began making jabbing motions towards Sully, who started yelping and trying to get away, the magistrates heard.

“I could see a large blade, about four or five inches – it looked like a large kitchen knife”, Sully’s owner said.

The woman’s friend, who she was going to meet, said she could hear a dog “screaming in pain”. She opened the door to the flats and saw her friend, who was calling the police and saying her dog had been stabbed.

Sully was taken to the vets where his wound was stitched. He was kept in overnight but made a full recovery.

Agar pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He said he had a long history of noise problems at the property and had tried many avenues to address it, including contacting the housing association in Skelmersdale where they lived.

He said he was ashamed of what he had done and called the police himself to report the incident. Magistrates accepted he was suffering with mental health issues but said: “This was a deliberate attempt to cause suffering to an animal.

“A weapon was used against the dog and we believe there would be distress caused to the owner. We believe there is a danger to the public and the nature of the offence is so serious only an immediate sentence of custody is appropriate.”

Sentencing: jailed for 26 weeks. Disqualified from owning animals for five years.

Lancs Live
Manchester Evening News

Bestiality / Zoophilia, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders

Kirkby, Merseyside: Ronald Hardcastle

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CONVICTED (2021) | Ronald Hardcastle, born c. 1956, of Southney Close, Kirkby, Liverpool L31 1JR – downloaded dozens of indecent images showing bestiality and child sex abuse.

Ronald Hardcastle. Picture: Liverpool Echo.
Ronald Hardcastle. Picture: Liverpool Echo.

Former police officer Hardcastle was caught with almost 300 images on his mobile phone depicting the depraved sexual abuse of children and animals.

The 65-year-old married father admitted he had chosen the online user name of ‘Bad Uncle James’ “to attract other users who might have an interest in indecent images.”

Hardcastle’s sordid behaviour came to light during investigations by the child exploitation unit of the National Crime Agency (NCA) into illegal activity on a Kik Messenger account.

This led officers from Merseyside Police’s online child abuse team, armed with a search warrant, to his home in Kirkby on February 16, 2021.

During the searches various electronic devices were seized.

When his Samsung mobile phone was examined, a total of 275 indecent images – including 202 videos and 29 photographs of extreme porn – were found.

Another 18 images were in the most serious category of child abuse, which includes rape, and 17 of them were videos.

Hardcastle had worked for Merseyside Police for about 30 years and after retiring 11 years ago joined an agency supplying staff to police forces which resulted in him spending four years working as a civilian with Greater Manchester Police.

For some of that time he worked with their child protection department “and had been responsible for categorising images of this sort.”

The case prosecutor queried whether looking at the images in that role had distorted Hardcastle’s thinking or whether he had sought it because of a pre-existing interest.

The job ended after he was involved in a serious accident which left him with broken bones and in hospital for some months. Hardcastle told how “he ended up on anti-depressants and became isolated from his ‘police family’ and became curious about that sort of material having worked in that area.”

In interview Hardcastle said he was not aware possession of the bestiality material was an offence “and found it amusing rather than gratifying.”

Hardcastle pleaded guilty to seven offences involving possessing and making indecent images of children; possessing extreme porn for and distribution, all in January and February 2021.

Hardcastle said he was ashamed of his behaviour and denied having sexual interest in children.

Hardcastle, who attended court on crutches and holding medication, was being supported by his wife and son, who both sat in the public gallery.

Sentencing: 12 months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months; four-month curfew; 10 days of rehabilitation activity; participation in a sex offenders programme. Given a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register, also for ten years.

Liverpool Echo

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Huyton, Merseyside: Kris Flynn

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CONVICTED (2020) | Kristopher Robert Flynn, born 05/10/1991, of Parbrook Road, Huyton, Liverpool L36 3XE – left two dogs to starve in their own filth

Animal abuser Kris Flynn from Huyton, Liverpool, and his two starved and neglected dogs Pepper and Skye
Kris Flynn left his pet dogs Skye (top) and Pepper to starve in foul conditions. Luckily they were rescued in time following police intervention.

Kris Flynn, who retains links to Fazakerley in north Liverpool, was banned from keeping animals for 10 years after his two emaciated pet dogs were found living in their own urine and faeces.

The two dogs – Pepper and Skye – were found by Merseyside Police when they entered Flynn’s home in Parbrook Road on an unrelated matter on December 5, 2019.

The court heard how the pets were in an emaciated condition with their bones protruding from their bodies.

Sickened officers also discovered the dogs were living in their own urine and faeces in the kitchen of the squalid house.

The property contained rubbish, dirty clothes, dirty dishes and rotten food. It also smelt strongly of urine and faeces.

A police officer seized the dogs and took them to a nearby veterinary surgery. The RSPCA were also alerted.

Animal abuser Kris Flynn from Huyton, Liverpool

RSPCA Inspector Kathryn Kellegher was sent to collect Pepper and Skye to take them for treatment at the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and an investigation was launched.

Lurcher Pepper’s body condition was scored at 2 (with 1 the lowest and 7 the normal weight), and weighed just 7kg.

Mastiff Skye had a body condition score of just 1 and her initial weight was 13.6kg.

After a few weeks in RSPCA care, both dogs had increased their body weight to more normal levels.

Animal abuser Kris Flynn from Huyton, Liverpool

Kathryn said: “The poor dogs were extremely thin and their bones were clearly visible through their skin.

“They smelt strongly of urine and their coats were stained on the bottom as they had lived in their own urine and faeces.

“Skye was so weak she didn’t have much energy to walk. But within a few weeks of being fed a proper diet they were soon getting back to health and their coats looked better as the photographs of them a few weeks later show.

“Once they were in full health they were put up for adoption and I am delighted to say they have been rehomed.”

Father-of-one Flynn pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of his dogs by providing them with a safe environment and appropriate diet.

Sentencing: ordered to pay a total of £852. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Liverpool Echo

Additional information

Alternative addresses for Flynn are Drake Place, Fazakerley, Liverpool L10 7LU and Ladysmith Road, Fazakerley, Liverpool L10 9LU.

Dogs, ear cropping and tail docking, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Kirkby, Liverpool: John and Katie Drury

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CONVICTED (2020) | backyard breeders John Drury, born 28 May 1981, and his wife Katie Drury, born 29 September 1983, both of 56 Quarryside Drive, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 6YA – illegally docked the tails of five puppies and left them to suffer in agony

Backyard breeders John and Katie Drury

Five puppies with docked tails were among 22 dogs discovered at the home of John and Katie Drury, who trade under the name Johnny Doberbulls. One dog could not stand or walk, and the docked tails of a further two pups had become infected and necrotic.

As well as the five puppies with docked tails, who were found in a box in the living room, an RSPCA inspector found a paralysed puppy whose legs had been tied together by the Drurys.

Clueless backyard breeders John and Katie Drury pictured leaving court
Clueless backyard breeders John and Katie Drury pictured leaving court

The couple had tied the dog’s legs together after internet research led them to mistakenly believe she was suffering from swimmers syndrome and this would help cure her. However, the puppy was suffering from a genetic condition and subsequently had to be put down.

Backyard breeders John and Katie Drury

Peter Mitchell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said: “The failure to investigate that matter by seeking veterinary attention had caused the puppy to suffer for approximately three weeks.”

John Drury admitted docking the tails of five puppies by tying string around their tails and waiting for the tissue to die from lack of blood flow. He also admitted failing to seek veterinary treatment.

He denied knowing that it was illegal to dock puppies’ tails for non-medical reasons, but Mr Mitchell said he had admitted to knowing it was against the law during his police interview, adding that Mr Drury had “in fact been operating as an unlicensed breeder”.

Katie Drury

Brian O’Connor, defending the Drurys, described the couple as “dog lovers” who had decided to start a dog-breeding business two years ago.

He said: “They do love and care for the dogs, and the breeding aspect has probably disappeared but they would ask not to be disqualified or deprived of their animals.

“They have learned from their mistake and they have paid the penalty, they have been without [their dogs] for a year.”

Backyard breeders John and Katie Drury

But District Judge Andrew Shaw ordered the couple’s 22 dogs to be confiscated and disqualified them from owning or keeping dogs for 12 months.

The judge said he acknowledged that it was not the couple’s intention to be cruel and that they had shown remorse, but added: “The course of action you started was wrong.

“Having appreciated there was a problem you had an obligation to take them to the vet.”

Sentencing | John Drury: 10-week curfew. Katie Drury: 40 hours of unpaid work. Ordered to pay a total of £500 towards the prosecution’s costs and a victim surcharge of £85 each. Banned from owning dogs for just one year (expired October 2021).

Liverpool Echo

animal fighting / baiting, Cats, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Kirkby, Knowsley, Merseyside: Christy Draper and Peter Finnegan

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PROSECUTED (2011) |  Christy James Draper, born 14/11/1985, of 6 Dulas Road, Kirkby, Liverpool L32 8TL and Peter James Finnegan, born 06/05/1986, formerly of Mintor Road, Kirkby and as at November 2019 of 36 Browning Street, Bootle, Liverpool L20 4HH – caught on CCTV goading their dogs into ripping apart a tame feral cat; walked free after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no case

Prosecution against cat killers Christy Draper and Peter Finnegan collapsed.
Cat killers Christy Draper of Kirkby and Peter Finnegan now of Bootle laughed as the prosecution case against them collapsed

Animal lover Alf White used to look after Tooch, a feral tabby which lived near his workplace in Kirkby for five years and was treated by staff as a pet.

But in January 2011 the tile showroom manager arrived at Knowsley Industrial Park to find the cat’s body on the ground.

After searching through CCTV footage covering the yard, the 54-year-old discovered shocking images showing Tooch being ripped apart by dogs before being kicked by a thug who was watching on.

The local newspaper, the Liverpool Echo, published the pictures in an effort to find those responsible and was flooded with callers offering information.

Merseyside police later charged Christy Draper and Peter Finnegan with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

But at a trial which was due to begin on 2 November 2011, prosecutors offered no evidence and the case against the two men was dismissed by District Judge Ian Lomax

He said: “As always it is for the prosecution to prove you are guilty rather than for you to prove you are innocent.

“I do not know what the flaws in the prosecution’s case are but clearly they were spotted and it was decided no evidence is to be offered.

“The case against you is dismissed.”

The two men, wearing tracksuit bottoms and T-shirts, raced from the dock laughing, with one shouting: “You have wasted everyone’s time.”

Mr White, who was waiting to give evidence in the trial, told the ECHO: “I am absolutely fuming. I am shaking with rage. I cannot get my head straight.

“The man from the Crown Prosecution Service told me although they had the CCTV, it was not of the front of the building, only the side, so they could not prove our Tooch was alive when the dogs got hold of her.

“Would you be alive after four dogs got hold of you? I told him she was alive 29 minutes before the attack because I visited her to bring her a blanket and say goodnight.

“But he said that was not in the evidence.”

Mr White, who paid £360 for a vet to fix Tooch’s teeth, said: “You can see another cat, Sylvie, on the video.

“She was lucky to survive.

“She has been moved now to Liverpool Cat Sanctuary so at least now she will be safe.”

The ECHO asked the CPS why the trial collapsed and why it took until the trial date to decide it had no evidence but it failed to respond.

Liverpool Echo
Daily Mail