Tag Archives: mitigation – drugs and/or alcohol factor

Dogs, England, Physical Violence, Psychological Abuse, South West England

Dursley, Gloucestershire: Paul Lord

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A man in an orange shirt faces the camera against a plain background. This is Paul Lord, convicted of repeatedly beating his dog Ace with a pole and subjecting him to prolonged water‑spraying.
Convicted drug courier Paul Lord was jailed for beating his dog with a pole and spraying him with water while he was tethered and unable to escape.

A distressing RSPCA investigation revealed that Paul Lord, 46, repeatedly beat his mastiff, Ace, with a pole while the dog was tethered in a garden and unable to escape.

Lord approached Ace carrying a pole-like object, took it from behind his back, and struck the dog multiple times with considerable force. Ace can be heard yelping during the blows.

Further footage showed Ace being sprayed with water for a prolonged period, leaving him cowering, terrified, and unable to move away due to being tethered.

A brown mastiff with a black muzzle and white chest patch sits on a blue surface, wearing a green collar and looking directly at the camera. This is Ace, the dog beaten and sprayed with water by Paul Lord before being rescued and rehomed.
Ace the mastiff, shown after being rescued from Paul Lord’s violent abuse. Now safely rehomed.

Inspector Richard Carr described both videos as deeply distressing, highlighting Ace’s fear, pain, and inability to flee.

Lord pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court to causing unnecessary suffering.

Magistrates said the offence was so serious it warranted immediate custody. Lord was already a serving prisoner at the time of sentencing.

Ace was seized, signed over to the RSPCA, and has since been successfully rehomed.

Sentence

Court: Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court
Date: 14 September 2026
Penalty: 18 weeks’ imprisonment; 10‑year ban on keeping animals (expires September 2036)
Mitigation: None reported
Notes: Cannot appeal ban for 7 years

At a Glance

  • Offender: Paul Lord
  • Born: 18 June 1980
  • Age at Conviction: 46
  • Address: First Avenue, Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 4NW
  • Previous Convictions:
    • In March 2026, Lord was jailed for three years after crashing his Range Rover on the A30 while travelling with his partner and two children, leading police to discover a kilo of cocaine worth £80,000 in the boot. He first claimed it was for personal use before admitting he was a courier, with the judge noting his previous drug convictions and limited role in a wider operation.
  • Animal Victim: Ace (mastiff)
  • Victim Fate: Rehomed
  • Evidence:
    • Video of Lord beating Ace with a pole
    • Video of prolonged water‑spraying while Ace cowers
  • Injuries: Distress, pain; no veterinary report published
  • Case Type: Physical abuse; psychological distress
  • Locality: Dursley, Gloucestershire

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Stroud News

Dogs, East of England, England, Physical Violence, Traveller Animal Crimes

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk: Jesse Price & Offie Price

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Two separate photographs placed side by side. The left image shows Offie Price, shirtless, taking a mirror selfie in a tiled bathroom or locker room. The right image shows Jesse Price lying on a bed or couch with patterned bedding behind him, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.
Left: Offie Price, who kicked the dog. Right: Jesse Price, who kicked a woman in the stomach.

Case Summary

Travellers Jesse Price and Offie Price assaulted a man, a woman, and a dog during an aggressive incident outside the Milano kebab shop in Great Yarmouth on 13 August 2026. The attack involved kicking, punching, and damaging property. The dog, although kicked hard in the ribs, did not sustain lasting injuries.

Both offenders pleaded guilty to multiple charges and were sentenced to unpaid work and compensation orders.

Offender Overview

Jesse Price

  • Name: Jesse Price
  • Born: 10 September 1998
  • Age at Conviction: 28
  • Last Known Address: Cambridge
  • Occupation: Gardener
  • Previous Convictions: Not reported
  • Additional Information: Found in possession of cannabis at the time of the incident.

Offie Price

  • Name: Offie Price
  • Born: 25 July 2002
  • Age at Conviction: 24
  • Last Known Address: Cambridge
  • Occupation: Gardener
  • Previous Convictions: Not reported
  • Additional Information: Expressed remorse in court, stating he was “utterly appalled” at kicking the dog and describing himself as “an animal lover”.

Incident Details

On 13 August 2026, outside the Milano kebab shop in Great Yarmouth, Ellie Rouse and her friend Jack Lovick witnessed a male ripping a wing mirror off a car. Ms Rouse approached Jesse Price to check on him, at which point he attempted to take her phone and delivered a hard kick to her stomach.

Offie Price confronted Mr Lovick, calling him a “snitch” before punching him in the face, knocking his glasses into the road. As Mr Lewis (a witness) picked up the glasses, Offie Price kicked his dog in the ribs, causing the dog to yelp. The dog was fortunate not to suffer lasting injury.

Both men were intoxicated during the incident.

Sentence

Court

Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court

Date

September 2026

Penalty

  • Jesse Price:
    • 120 hours of unpaid work
    • £150 compensation
    • Convicted of assault by beating and possession of cannabis
  • Offie Price:
    • 120 hours of unpaid work
    • £229 compensation
    • Convicted of assault by beating, criminal damage, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal

Mitigation

Both defendants claimed the behaviour was out of character and attributed their actions to intoxication. Offie Price expressed particular remorse for kicking the dog, stating he was “deeply sorry” and “can’t believe he behaved that way.”

Great Yarmouth Mercury

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Highlands & Islands, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Forres, Moray: Rebecca Ferguson

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Animal abuser Rebecca Ferguson A person with long brown hair and pink eyeshadow holds a blue Mountain Dew can and poses with puckered lips in an indoor setting.
Rebecca Ferguson’s prolonged neglect left her dog skeletal, matted with faeces, flea‑infested and suffering from skin scalding, anaemia and extreme malnutrition.

Case Summary

Cockapoo Nancy was found severely emaciated, heavily matted, and living in squalid conditions inside a property in Forres. Police discovered her shut inside a spare room contaminated with faeces and urine, with no access to food and only mould‑covered water.

A recently shaved dog wearing a colourful collar stands on a tiled surface in a grooming or veterinary area, held on a lead by a person.

Nancy was seized and transferred to the Scottish SPCA, where vets confirmed prolonged suffering, extreme malnutrition, and extensive matting.

Her owner, Rebecca Ferguson, was convicted at Elgin Sheriff Court and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Offender Overview

  • Name: Rebecca Ferguson
  • Born: born circa 2002
  • Age at Conviction: 24
  • Last Known Address: Silk Court, Forres IV36 1GZ
  • Occupation: unknown
  • Previous Convictions: unknown
  • Additional Information: no further information provided

Incident Details

In March 2026, Police Scotland contacted the Scottish SPCA after concerns were raised about an underweight and severely matted dog living in a filthy property. Officers attended the address in Forres and found a black female cockapoo shut inside a spare room.

A small, underweight dog with patchy fur stands on a tan floor wearing a colourful collar, attached to a lead held by a person.

The room was almost entirely covered in faeces, with a strong smell of urine throughout.

There was no food present, and the only water available was in a bowl with mould on its surface.

Nancy’s coat was heavily matted with faeces, her nails were long and overgrown, and she appeared severely malnourished with sores on her rear legs.

Police found no dog food anywhere in the property. The living room contained a dog crate and food bowls, but these too were contaminated with faeces.

Nancy was seized and transported to Elgin Police Station before being collected by the Scottish SPCA.

A small black cockapoo with long curly fur stands on a veterinary examination table while a person gently holds her collar.

A Scottish SPCA inspector described Nancy as a “bag of bones”. She was given a body condition score of 1/9, with every bone palpable due to prolonged lack of nutrition. The attending vet concluded she had been suffering for at least two months, possibly considerably longer.

Her coat was so long and matted that her eyes and ears could not be distinguished. When clipped, scalding was found on her skin from prolonged contact with urine and faeces. Live fleas were crawling across her body, and she was also suffering from anaemia.

Within three weeks of receiving proper nutrition and veterinary care, Nancy gained 4.6kg, significantly improving her strength and demeanour. She has since been rehomed and is thriving.

Animal Victims

  • Name: Nancy
  • Species: Dog
  • Breed: Cockapoo
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: unknown
  • Injuries: Severe emaciation, extensive matting, sores on rear legs, skin scalding from faeces/urine, anaemia, flea infestation
  • Fate: Rehomed; thriving in new home
  • Additional Notes: Coat so matted eyes and ears were indistinguishable; nails long and overgrown with faeces embedded

Sentence

  • Court: Elgin Sheriff Court
  • Date: September 2026
  • Penalty: 120 hours of unpaid work (Community Payback Order) to be completed within 12 months
  • Mitigation: Class A drug addiction
  • Ban Expiry: 10‑year ban from keeping animals (expires September 2036).

Scottish SPCA Statement

“Nancy was one of the thinnest dogs I have seen in my 18 years with the Scottish SPCA. Her emaciated condition and heavily matted coat were immediately apparent, and I was extremely saddened by the extent of her suffering.

“A responsible owner should never allow an animal’s condition to deteriorate to this extent and should seek help if they are struggling to provide appropriate care.

“I am relieved Nancy was rescued and given a second chance. She is now thriving in her new home.”

Metro
Press & Journal

Animal Abandonment, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, England, North West England, Reptiles / Exotics, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Bollington, Cheshire: Stephen Brown and Annette Harris

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Side‑by‑side composite image showing two separate portraits: a woman with red hair holding a baby, and a man with short hair wearing a dark jacket and patterned blue shirt.
Stephen Brown and Annette Harris shut the door on a starving snake and left him wasting away in a cold vivarium until the suffering finally killed him.

Case Summary

Corn snake Frank was abandoned in a vacant flat at Peak House, Station Road, Glossop, left without food, water, heating or lighting for weeks.

Stephen David Brown, 53, and Annette Harris, 37, now of Dean Close, Bollington, were found guilty of one animal welfare offence. Frank was severely underweight and suffering from chronic starvation estimated at four months.

Despite veterinary intervention, Frank later died.

Both defendants received a 10‑year ban, an 18‑month community order, and fines.

Offender Overview

Stephen Brown

  • Born: circa 1973
  • Age at Conviction: 53
  • Last Known Address: Dean Close, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5NT
  • Occupation: Unknown
  • Previous Convictions: Not reported
  • Additional Information: Cited bereavement and remorse.

Annette Harris

  • Born: circa 1989
  • Age at Conviction: 37
  • Last Known Address: Dean Close, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5NT
  • Occupation: Unknown
  • Previous Convictions: Not reported
  • Additional Information: Cited bereavement and remorse.

Incident Details

On 8 October 2024, RSPCA ARO Lee Ferrans responded to a call from an estate agent reporting an abandoned snake at Peak House, Station Road, Hadfield Glossop SK13, following the end of a tenancy.

The flat was:

  • Cold
  • Dark
  • Vacated three weeks earlier

Inside, Frank was found in a vivarium with:

  • No water
  • No food
  • No heating
  • No lighting

Frank appeared underweight, with a triangular body shape — a sign of severe malnutrition.

A light brown and tan corn snake with darker markings, coiled on a metallic surface.
Frank — the corn snake abandoned for weeks without food, water, heat or light. He later died from chronic starvation and septicaemia.
An empty reptile vivarium containing artificial plants, rocks and a sandy substrate, with residue visible on surfaces.
The vivarium where Frank was found — cold, dark, unheated, with no food or water.

Veterinary findings included:

  • Non‑regenerative anaemia
  • Immune response indicating infection
  • Starvation estimated at four months
  • Debilitated condition

Frank initially gained weight and was discharged to a fosterer, but later died. Post‑mortem concluded:

  • Chronic wasting
  • Terminal septicaemia
  • Iron accumulation in liver
  • Lipofuscin in kidneys
  • Bacterial kidney infection

Animal Victim

Frank (corn snake)

  • Abandoned for weeks
  • No food, water, heat or light
  • Severe malnutrition
  • Chronic starvation
  • Infection
  • Temporary improvement
  • Died from terminal septicaemia

Sentence

Court: Derbyshire (31 July 2026)

Penalty:

  • 10‑year disqualification (expires July 2036)
  • 18‑month community order
  • 15 rehabilitation activity days
  • 9‑month drug rehabilitation requirement
  • £180 fine

    Mitigation:
  • Bereavement
  • Remorse

RSPCA Statement

Inspector Ben Cottle‑Shaw described the case as “deeply upsetting” and emphasised the owners’ legal and moral responsibility to provide adequate care.

DerbyshireLive
Buxton Advertiser

Animal Torture, Cats, England, Lifers, London, Physical Violence, Serial Animal Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Harlesden, Brent, Greater London: Martell Dublin

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Case Summary

Martell Tyrone Dublin was jailed and banned from keeping animals for life after admitting multiple counts of non‑accidental injuries inflicted on his cats. The RSPCA launched an investigation after a vet raised concerns about repeated trauma and unexplained deaths involving five cats owned by him.

A black cat with bright yellow‑green eyes lies curled in a plush round pet bed with a light interior and darker outer rim. The cat wears a red collar and appears calm and comfortable.
Shirley, the surviving cat, pictured resting in a soft round pet bed after being rescued by the RSPCA.

Offender Overview

  • Name: Martell Tyrone Dublin
  • Born: 28 June 2001
  • Age at Conviction: 25
  • Last Known Address: High Street, Harlesden, London
  • Occupation: Sports writer; contributor to All Things Chelsea blog
A screenshot of Martell Dublin’s online profile. It shows an illustrated profile picture featuring two faces blended with a tree‑like texture, alongside text describing him as an editor and Chelsea fan with interests in reading, music, Harry Potter and horse gambling.
Screenshot of Dublin’s profile on the All Things Chelsea blog showing his personal interests.
  • Previous Convictions: None known
  • Additional Information: Offender has scrubbed social media accounts; believed to have removed identifying photos

Incident Details

The RSPCA investigation began on 17 November 2022 after a vet reported concerns about injuries and unexplained deaths involving Dublin’s cats.

France, Narla, Baby and Milo were all linked to suspicious circumstances, while Shirley was found alive but suffering from multiple fractures.

Veterinary experts concluded that the injuries were non‑accidental and consistent with deliberate physical abuse, with several cats experiencing prolonged pain, fear and distress. Baby also suffered untreated head and spinal injuries which left the cat unable to walk.

Dublin was assessed as posing a serious ongoing risk to animals, given the repeated non‑accidental injuries and multiple unexplained deaths.

Animal Victims

  • France – repeated injuries; severe scalding; died
  • Narla – non‑accidental injuries; died
  • Baby – head and spinal injuries; untreated; died
  • Milo – unexplained death
  • Shirley – fractured jaw, cheekbone and ribs; survived

Sentence

Court: Harrow Crown Court
Date: 31 July 2026
Conviction: Four counts of animal cruelty (non‑accidental injuries and unnecessary suffering)

Penalty:

  • 28 months’ imprisonment
  • Lifetime ban on keeping animals (not appealable for 3 years)

Mitigation: The court heard that Dublin was previously of good character, no longer kept animals, and had mental health difficulties, alcohol problems, and significant childhood adversity.

RSPCA Statement

Former RSPCA Inspector Nicole Broster said:

“This was an incredibly challenging and harrowing case, one of the worst I’d seen during my 17 years as part of the Inspectorate… Dublin subjected these beautiful, innocent and affectionate creatures to unimaginable suffering by intentionally harming them.”

Companion Life
London Post

Dogs, England, North West England, Physical Violence, Worst of the Worst

Blackley, Manchester: Frank Croft

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A close-up selfie of Francis Croft. He is wearing a dark jacket and looking directly at the camera, with household furnishings visible in the background.
Epitome of evil: Francis Croft, who beat an elderly Staffie so severely the dog had to be put down.

Case Summary

A 21‑year‑old* Staffordshire bull terrier named Georgie was subjected to a violent and sustained attack by Francis Croft of Liverton Court, Blackley. Croft kicked the elderly dog and struck him repeatedly with both a wooden mop handle and an ashtray, causing catastrophic head injuries. Georgie suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury and was euthanised due to the severity of his injuries.

A light brown Staffordshire bull terrier wearing a black harness with yellow star patterns. The dog is sitting indoors in front of a blue blanket decorated with cartoon dog illustrations, looking alert and calm.
Georgie, the Staffordshire bull terrier who was fatally injured in the attack by Francis Croft.

Croft claimed he had been bitten, but there was no evidence to support this. The judge said that even if true, it offered no justification for the attack. Croft was jailed and banned from keeping animals for three years.

Offender Overview

Name: Francis (Frank) Croft
Born: circa 1963
Age at Conviction: 63
Last Known Address: Liverton Court, Blackley, Manchester M9 0NQ
Occupation: Not stated
Previous Convictions: Not stated
Additional Information: Croft was described in court as a chronic, long‑term drug abuser who had stopped taking prescribed mental‑health medication at the time of the offence.

Animal Victim

Name: Georgie
Species: Staffordshire bull terrier
*Age: Believed to be around 10–12 years old (reported as 21 in court) Sex: male
Fate: Euthanised due to catastrophic head injuries
Additional Information: Described as a gentle, kind‑hearted dog who pottered around the house and had lived with his owner since puppyhood.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on 16 March 2026 at the home of Croft’s neighbour, Bradley Crewe, in Blackley. Croft attempted to enter the flat but was initially prevented by a woman. He later managed to gain access, where several people were present along with Georgie — a dog known not to like him.

Another close-up selfie of Francis Croft. He is wearing a dark jacket and looking directly at the camera, with household furnishings visible in the background.

Witnesses described Croft as behaving in a “rowdy” manner. He kicked Georgie, causing the dog to yelp, then went to the kitchen and picked up a wooden mop handle, striking the dog with it. He then grabbed an ashtray and hit Georgie multiple times. Witnesses said Georgie cried in pain before collapsing motionless, bleeding from the head.

A vet confirmed Georgie had suffered a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Due to the extent of the injuries, Georgie was put down. A witness reported hearing Croft say he had “done Brad’s dog” after the attack.

Mr Crewe, who had cared for Georgie since he was a puppy, described him as a gentle, kind‑hearted dog who simply pottered around the house. He said the violent end to Georgie’s life was deeply distressing.

During a hearing at Manchester Crown Court Croft pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Prosecutor Peter Malone told the court there was no evidence Georgie had bitten Croft, and Croft had not mentioned any bite to police. Defence counsel Hayley Bennett said Croft expressed remorse and described his actions as “a stupid thing to do.” She said he had stopped taking mental‑health medication and was a long‑term drug abuser.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC told Croft:

“You attacked a 21‑year‑old dog, that is a very elderly dog, and in effect you killed the dog. This was a very cruel thing to do. Whether the dog bit you or not is neither here nor there.”

Sentence

  • Court: Manchester Crown Court
  • Date: August 2026
  • Penalty: Custodial sentence of three years and nine months
  • Ban: Three‑year ban on keeping animals (expires August 2029)
  • Mitigation: Mental‑health issues and drug abuse cited; remorse expressed

Manchester Evening News

Animal Abandonment, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, Mid & West Wales, Wales

Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire: David Murphy

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Summary

Elderly collie/German Shepherd-cross Cora was found tied to a tree two days after Christmas, suffering from severe untreated skin disease, chronic dermatitis, thickened skin, multiple masses and extensive hair loss.

A small dog lies on red and grey blankets with a patch of thin or missing fur on her upper back.
Neglect left Cora’s coat patchy and her skin exposed.

Her owner, David Allen Murphy, failed to seek veterinary treatment for weeks to months, leaving her in prolonged physical and mental suffering. He received a suspended prison sentence and a 10‑year ban.

Offender Overview

Name: David Murphy
Born: circa 1986 (age 40 at sentencing)
Address: Quay Street, Carmarthen
Court: Llanelli Magistrates’ Court
Date of Sentence: 24 July 2026
Animal: Cora — elderly Collie‑cross German Shepherd
Organisation(s): RSPCA Cymru, Hope Rescue, Dyfed‑Powys Police

Summary of Offence

On 27 December 2025, police found Cora tied to a tree in freezing conditions. She had an obvious skin disease, extensive bald patches, thickened skin, chronic dermatitis and multiple mammary masses. Officers had seen her with Murphy shortly beforehand.

A close view of a dog’s back showing a large area of missing fur and irritated skin, with bandages visible on her legs.
A painful, inflamed wound caused by long‑term neglect.

Cora was taken to a veterinary practice for urgent treatment. Photographs taken before she was clipped showed severe hair loss on her neck, lower back and flanks.

A veterinary statement described Cora as:

  • “very itchy with severe skin disease”
  • “moist dermatitis scabbed over on both flanks”
  • “chronic skin changes around her ears”
  • “very thickened skin indicating a long‑standing issue”
  • “multiple masses over her body mostly in the mammary area”

The vet concluded that it would have taken weeks to months for Cora’s condition to deteriorate to this extent, and that she had suffered unnecessarily for that entire time — physically from irritation, scabbing and chronic inflammation, and mentally from the inability to escape constant discomfort.

Murphy failed to seek veterinary attention for an obvious health issue, breaching his duty of care and causing prolonged suffering.

His solicitor said Murphy was struggling with drug issues at the time, though the court made clear this did not excuse the neglect.

A medium‑sized dog with dark brown and black fur lies on green grass wearing a light‑coloured harness.
Cora, finally safe and able to rest.

Cora was taken into police possession and transferred to RSPCA care. She is now recovering with Hope Rescue.

Sentence

Murphy pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

He received:

  • 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 18 months
  • 120 hours unpaid work
  • 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days
  • 10‑year ban on keeping animals
  • £600 costs
  • £150 victim surcharge
  • No separate penalty for failing to surrender under the Bail Act

In mitigation, the court heard that Murphy “loved the dog” and had drug issues.

RSPCA Statement

Inspector Keith Hogben said:

“Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect and if you have a pet you are responsible for making sure they are happy and healthy. We would urge anyone struggling to seek help.”

Hope Rescue Statement

A small dog stands on wet sand at a beach wearing a bright red waterproof jacket.
Healthy, happy, and loved — Cora today. Credit: Hope Rescue

Hope Rescue confirmed that Cora’s skin has recovered well and she is now living in a loving foster home:

“She loves long walks, sunbathing in the garden and, most importantly, she will never be left out in the cold again.”

UKACF Metadata

Location: Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
Offender: David Murphy
Born: circa 1986
Animal: Cora — Collie-cross German Shepherd
Offence: Causing unnecessary suffering (untreated skin disease; prolonged neglect)
Offence Date: Nov–Dec 2025
Sentence Date: 24 July 2026
Court: Llanelli Magistrates’ Court
Sentence: 18 weeks’ custody (suspended 18 months); 120 hours unpaid work; 25 RAR days
Ban: 10 years
Ban Expiry Date: July 2036
Costs: £600 + £150 surcharge
Organisation(s): RSPCA Cymru, Hope Rescue, Dyfed-Powys Police
Outcome for Animal: Recovering; Hope Rescue foster care

Sources

WalesOnline
Nation Cymru
Hope Rescue
Cambrian News

Belfast Region, Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Northern Ireland, Physical Violence

East Belfast: Dylan Campbell

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CONVICTED (2026) | Dylan James Campbell, born October 1998, of Lewis Court, Beersbridge, East Belfast BT6 9TG – for animal cruelty and domestic abuse.

Belfast animal abuser and woman beater Dylan Campbell.

Campbell pleaded guilty to the following offences:

  • Domestic violence: Two counts of non-fatal strangulation or asphyxiation, two counts of common assault, and using threatening or abusive behaviour against his ex-partner.
  • Animal cruelty: Causing unnecessary suffering to his ex-partner’s chihuahua puppy.
  • Drug offences: Possession of Class A and Class C drugs.
  • Property damage: Causing criminal damage to police property.

The incidents began on 22 March 2025, after an argument escalated in Belfast city centre. Campbell became aggressive after monitoring his partner’s Facebook account and questioning individuals who interacted with her posts.

The confrontation escalated into violent physical assaults at the victim’s home later that evening.

The victim told police the accused grabbed her around the throat and started to squeeze it with his hands which she described as “terrifying”, adding: “I was unable to breathe”.

She recalled a previous incident on January 25, 2025 when she was at home and the defendant was also present. The woman said she was “frightened” as the defendant became argumentative. He told her he wanted to buy more drugs but she said she didn’t have enough money in her bank account.

She said she went into her son’s bedroom and sat on the bed and was followed by Campbell who sat down next to her and started “shouting and ranting”.

“My puppy was sitting on me and the defendant was shouting and he said the dog was ‘yapping’ before throwing the puppy across the floor. This behaviour scared me.”

During police interviews, Campbell accepted possession of the drugs but made no comment to all further questions relating to the domestic assaults.

The court heard Campbell has 25 previous convictions on his criminal record with four entries for common assault, one for a threat to kill and eight for drug offences.

In May 2017, he was convicted of striking an ex-partner in the head and threatening to kill her. In 2021 he was further convicted of striking another partner to the head and pushing her to the ground, before striking her to the face and arms.

Sentencing | 28 months in custody, followed by an additional 28 months on supervised licence upon his release. Five-year restraining order. It has not been reported whether an animal disqualification order was issued.

BelfastLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, England, Serial Animal Abusers, Starvation / Malnutrition, West Midlands, Worst of the Worst

Rubery, Birmingham: Stephen McVeigh

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CONVICTED (2026) | Steve McVeigh, born 7 October 1982, most recently of Rubery, Birmingham B45 – starved a rescue dog to death and hid his body.

Birmingham dog killer Steve McVeigh alongside beagle Willie.

Three-year-old lemon beagle Willie had been entrusted to foster carer Steve McVeigh, while his owner, Melanie, was undergoing major surgery.

Willie, who was starved to death by his supposed foster carer Steve McVeigh and his body hidden.

McVeigh prromised Mel that he would give the dog a brilliant life filled with long country walks and fun times..

Willie, who was starved to death by his supposed foster carer Steve McVeigh and his body hidden.

Initially the signs were good, with McVeigh appearing alongside Willie (or ‘Wullie’ as he called him) to promote community projects such as Rubery’s chatty benches.

At some point, McVeigh’s attitude changed and he stopped providing Mel with updates, eventually admitting that the dog was ‘missing’.

Birmingham dog killer Steve McVeigh alongside beagle Willie.

Devasated Mel reported the matter to police and updated Willie’s microchiop status to ‘stolen’. She also placed several social media posts appealing for information on Willie’s whereabouts.

A close relative of McVeigh’s contacted Mel and told her that this wasn’t the first time a dog he was supposed to be caring for had ‘disappeared’..

Birmingham dog killer Steve McVeigh

Under pressure to tell the truth, McVeigh finally delivered the devastating news that Willie was dead. He admitted that he had abandoned the dog and left him to starve to death. He callously refused to say what he had done with Willie’s body and it has never been found to this day.

In court, he admitted to causing death by starvation along with a further four counts of animal cruelty.

The court heard in supposed mitigation the usual tale of woe about “mental health issues” and drug addiction.

Sentencing | one-year custodial suspended for a year; drug rehabilitation; 25 hours of community service; £500 compensation to Mel. 10-year ban on keeping animals (expires June 2036).

Source: Facebook post

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Glasgow & West Scotland, Physical Violence, Scotland

Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire: Brooke Thornley

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CONVICTED (2026) | Brooke Thornley, born c. 2008, previously of Fleetwood, Lancashire, and now Hunter Road, Crosshouse, Kilmarnock KA2 – kicked her family dog around the house and attacked her parents and sister when they tried to intervene.

Violent headcase Brooke Thornley, previously of Fleetwood, Lancashire, and now Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.

Thornley was celebrating her 18th birthday with her family at a local pub in Fleetwood before returning home. Under the heavy influence of alcohol, she became enraged when the family dog refused to dance with her.

She kicked the dog, who ran into the kitchen, but Thornley chased him to kick him again. Her sister tried to intervene but Thornley turned on her, kicking her and stamping on her head.

The girls’ mum then stepped in to protect her daughter but Thornley kicked at her and hit her all over her body. She then picked up a knife and lunged at her mother, who was fortunately able to knock the knife out of her hand.

Thornley proceeded to smash up the kitchen before leaving the house with the dog. When she returned she started banging on her sister’s door and making threats to kill her.

This woke their father up and he came out of his bedroom and told their mother to call the police. Thornley ran at him, causing him to fall and hurt his wrist.

When the police arrived Thornley became aggressive with them and had to be handcuffed before being arrested. She gave “no comment” answers to all questions in an interview at the police station.

Thornley’s sister suffered bruising to her leg, chest and shoulder, and their mum had swelling and bruising to her face and cheek.

The court heard that the victims were no longer supportive of the prosecution and had declined to give impact statements to the court.

Thornley pleaded guilty to ABH, criminal damage and animal cruelty.

The court heard she has since moved to Kilmarnock, Scotland to live with her aunt and uncle and has started working.

Recorder Michelle Brown, sentencing, said the case was so serious she would ordinarily have no hesitation in handing down a prison sentence. However she recognised that Thornley was just 18 when she committed the offences and it was set against a difficult background at home.

She said: “It is clear from their statements that your sister and mum were very frightened and distressed by your actions. You have found a new life with support from extended family and have found work.”

She told Thornley: “Your behaviour and the vicious nature of the assault on your family members and the dog were very serious. I very much hope you will work with the Probation Service to deal with this. You now have support and every opportunity to make your future a better one – I very much hope you take it.”

Sentencing | three year community order with a 12 month mental health treatment requirement, 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and 80 hours of unpaid work. No ban on keeping animals.

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