Tag Archives: Newcastle upon Tyne

Dogs

Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne: Donna Marie Morrison

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CONVICTED (2024) | Donna Marie Morrison, born November 1981, of 36 Durham Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6XP – turned a blind eye to her elderly dog’s suffering.

RSPCA prosecution of Donna Marie Morrison from Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne who ignored her elderly dog's deteriorating health.

Morrison repeatedly ignored RSPCA advice to take elderly Staffy Dozer to a vet and instead left him to suffer with an animal mass and tumours across his body. The animal charity had even appointments on her behalf but she failed to attend.

RSPCA prosecution of Donna Marie Morrison from Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne who ignored her elderly dog's deteriorating health.
Due to his owner’s neglect, tumours had spread through Dozer’s body, resulting in his thin body condition, and he sadly had to be put to sleep.

RSPCA Inspector Helen Nedley said: “My colleague, Inspector Suzanne Edgar found that Dozer had a soft lump the size of a golf ball around his tail area.

“He also had a small lump the size of the end of a Biro pen on his front right leg.

“She strongly advised Donna Morrison to take Dozer to the vets for a check up on these lumps within the next two weeks.”

RSPCA prosecution of Donna Marie Morrison from Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne who ignored her elderly dog's deteriorating health.

The tumours had spread through the canine’s body resulting in his thin body condition. Sadly vets had no choice but to put him down to prevent further suffering.

The court heard that the RSPCA first visited Morrison’s home in September 2022, after receiving reports of concern from the public.

RSPCA prosecution of Donna Marie Morrison from Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne who ignored her elderly dog's deteriorating health.

Morrison was advised by the officer to take the dog to the vet. While she had apparently agreed to this, she failed to follow up.

By May 2023 Dozer’s condition had deteriorated significantly and he was signed over to the RSPCA and taken to a vet.

An ultrasound found two very large, hard masses inside Dozer’s abdomen pressing against his bladder, which had possibly spread from the original tumour on his backside.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “The vet stated that given that Dozer’s weight loss was likely to have been somewhat chronic in nature, and that the anal mass had been present for some time, suffering could have been avoided if the dog had been taken to a vet sooner. It was likely Dozer had suffered for several weeks.

“He added that given the significant weight loss and the presence of the tumour, the needs of the Staffy were not being met.”

RSPCA prosecution of Donna Marie Morrison from Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne who ignored her elderly dog's deteriorating health.

RSPCA Inspector Helen Nedley added: “It was Morrison’s legal responsibility to properly care for Dozer and she failed to do this. There was no excuse for failing to seek veterinary care for him when it was abundantly clear he so desperately needed it.

“This was an awful case and Dozer’s suffering could have easily been avoided. The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their animal to ask for help and act on advice, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 25 days of “rehabilitation” and 100 hours of unpaid work. £114 victim surcharge and £1,170 in costs. 10-year ban.

Northern Echo
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Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne: Peter Esen

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CONVICTED | Peter Enobong Akpan Esen, born June 1989, of Rosebud Close, Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne NE16 3DF – neglected his elderly underweight dog and failed to seek veterinary care for her life-threatening uterine infection.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Esen from Newcastle upon Tyne, who abandoned an elderly dog.

Esen had left the 13-year-old husky, Alex, unattended for at least 48 hours at his home.

She was suffering from pyometra – a life-threatening condition of the womb commonly found in older unneutered female dogs – and needed emergency surgery.

Her bottom incisor teeth were also worn down to less than half their normal height, which a vet thought could be attributed to her chewing empty cans of dogs food, which were found littered throughout the property.

Esen, who is thought to have links to Nottingham and Manchester, admitted three charges contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, following a prosecution by the RSPCA and appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court for sentencing on 2 April 2024.

The court heard how RSPCA inspectors had taped the front door and the back gate of the house on 14 February 2023 following reports that a dog had been abandoned at the property.

The seals were still intact when a further visit was made by Inspector Rachael Hurst the following day.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Esen from Newcastle upon Tyne, who abandoned an elderly dog.

In written evidence to the court Inspector Hurst said: “There were empty cans of dog food strewn all over the floor, visible inside the property through the glass in the door and in the rear garden visible through the fence, some of them had been chewed up and teeth marks were visible in them.

“The rear door to the property was wide open. I knocked at the door and there was no response and a black and white husky type dog then appeared in the hallway behind the door. I made enquiries with local residents but nobody knew where the owner of the dog was.

“The following day I attended again. There had been no changes, the tape seals were still intact on the front door and rear gate and the same dog was visible inside so I contacted Northumbria Police for assistance.”

During an initial examination of the dog, the inspector could easily feel her spine, hips and ribs. Her nails were also overgrown and splaying in different directions.

The property was resealed before Inspector Hurst took Alex to a vet. There, she was diagnosed with pyometra and needed emergency life-saving surgery and overnight hospitalisation.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Esen from Newcastle upon Tyne, who abandoned an elderly dog.

Weighing 20kg against a healthy weight for her breed of between 22kg and 25kg, Alex was given a body condition score of just two out of nine. The vet said it could have taken months for her to have lost so much body fat and muscle.

Her claws were also overgrown indicating inadequate exercise had been provided.

In written evidence the vet said: “The large amount of fluid and pressure in her uterus meant it was at risk of rupture at any time, Had the RSPCA not intervened when they did, the uterus would have ruptured leaving the dog to die a slow and painful death from sepsis.

“I estimate that the symptoms were likely present for one to three days prior to diagnosis. Had this dog lived in an occupied household they would have been identified by the owner so veterinary treatment could be sought. It is unacceptable that this elderly dog was left unchecked for this time period, allowing a serious and life-threatening disease to go unnoticed.”

The court was told that tape seals on the door were still intact when Inspector Hurst visited Esen’s home again on 18 March. There was still no-one at home and Esen couldn’t be reached by phone.

After speaking to someone who knew him, Inspector Hurst eventually met him at the house and an interview was carried out. He admitted that he had not cleaned up and that he’d been away. He said he had messaged a person to provide a tin of food, although he hadn’t checked that they’d done so. He said he didn’t think that Alex was underweight.

Alex was cared for at an RSPCA rehoming centre. Sadly her health deteriorated further and she was found to have mammary tumours, and she was put to sleep on veterinary advice at the end of last year.

Speaking after the case Inspector Hurst said: “Alex was an elderly dog who was being left unattended with a life-threatening condition in an unsuitable and hazardous environment.

“Sadly, she’d been let down by her owner and not been given anything like the care and attention she should have received in her twilight years. It illustrates how important it is to ensure the needs of animals you’re responsible for are always met and why it’s crucial to seek help and advice if you’re no longer able to provide for them.”

Sentencing | 18 month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work; £128.60 in costs. Ten-year ban on keeping animals which cannot be contested for five years.

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dog attack, dog fighting, Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Wallsend, North Tyneside: Kevin Turner

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CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder and alleged dog fighter Kevin Turner, born 16 June 1985, previously of Collingwood Road in North Shields but now of 47 Coach Road, Wallsend NE28 6JA – failed to take a seriously injured bulldog to the vet after she fought with another dog.

Drug dealer, backyard breeder, (alleged) dog fighter and traveller Kevin Turner was jailed for failing to take his dog to the vet after she was bitten by another dog
Worthless: Drug dealer, backyard breeder, (alleged) dog fighter and traveller Kevin Turner was jailed for failing to take his dog to the vet after she was bitten by another dog

Turner, a traveller who runs a rubbish clearance business called Fast Waste North East, left the two-year-old dog, Babe, to suffer with extensive injuries to her head, neck and legs. Her wounds became infected leaving her in great pain.

Drug dealer, backyard breeder, (alleged) dog fighter and traveller Kevin Turner was jailed for failing to take his dog to the vet after she was bitten by another dog

RSPCA inspectors paid a visit to Turner’s former home at Collingwood Road in North Shields on April 13, 2023, and found Babe with a large open wound on the right-hand side of her ear, neck and face where the skin was hanging loose. As well as the injuries to her face, neck and legs, Babe was also suffering from sore skin on her stomach and the pads of her feet.

Drug dealer, backyard breeder, (alleged) dog fighter and traveller Kevin Turner was jailed for failing to take his dog to the vet after she was bitten by another dog

The RSPCA said Turner claimed he was registered with the PDSA and had been planning to take the dog to see the charity’s vets the following day. But when the inspector checked the PDSA had no record of him.

Following an RSPCA prosecution convicted heroin dealer Turnerpleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the bulldog by failing to seek veterinary care, as well as a charge of failing to ensure the dog’s needs were met.

The court heard a statement from the vet that said Babe may have lost her ear if she didn’t have surgery.

In mitigation, the court was told that Turner had kept dogs for many years without any issues.

Drug dealer, backyard breeder, (alleged) dog fighter and traveller Kevin Turner was jailed for failing to take his dog to the vet after she was bitten by another dog

Babe’s damaged ear was reconstructed during surgery and she has since made a remarkable recovery. She was discharged to kennels the day after the operation and her wounds and skin infections then healed over several weeks. She remains in RSPCA care and will be rehomed soon.

Animal abuser Kevin Turner owns a waste management business called Fast Waste North East.
Animal abuser Kevin Turner owns a waste management business

After sentencing, RSPCA inspector Terri-Ann Fannon said: “Babe’s injuries were among some of the worst I’ve seen from a dog attack and the infection she suffered was horrendous. But she has done so well at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, where she has made some new doggy friends.

“She was a bit anxious and nervous at first, but has turned out to be a lovely boisterous girl. She was so depressed when I first met her, but she’s like a different dog now, full of mischief and wanting treats and attention.”

Sentencing | jailed for 10 weeks; £360 costs plus £154 victim surcharge. 10-year ban on keeping all animals.

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Mirror

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

Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne: Stephen Peveller

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CONVICTED (2023) | Stephen Peveller, born c. 1975, of Longley Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5EE – callously killed his elderly pet dog by pushing her into an icy river.

Sadistic dog killer Stephen Peveller from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Image: Northumbria Police

In hideous scenes captured on CCTV, Peveller cruelly threw the unnamed 12-year-old Pomeranian against railings next to the River Wear, in Sunderland, leaving her injured and struggling to get up after banging her head. As she looked to her master for help, he instead put her through the railings and pushed her over the edge of the river to her death.

Peverell was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal whom he had claimed he needed for emotional support.

At around 7.40am on December 17, 2022, Peveller was observed by a Sunderland Council worker in icy conditions at Panns Bank, Sunderland, next to the River Wear.

Penny Hall, prosecuting, said: “The defendant can be seen being abusive to a small dog.

“He dragged it by the neck before throwing it towards some railings alongside a path by the River Wear. There are railings then a drop into the river beyond it.

“The dog hit the railings and fell on its back. It moves, frantically trying to get back up. The defendant tried to put it on its legs, which it eventually managed to do itself.

“The defendant then dragged the dog again before lifting it onto the other side of the railings on the edge of the path above the river. He then pushed the dog off and it went out of site, clearly going into the river.

“He then looked over the railings, looking in the river before he left the area.”

Sadistic dog killer Stephen Peveller from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Image: Facebook

The council worker contacted police and when they spoke to Peveller, he claimed the dog had fallen into the river and suggested he was worried.

The police subsequently found the Pomeranian dead in the river.

Recorder Mark Giuliani said: “He killed the dog through his actions.

“He threw it against the railings and it’s injured and then threw the injured dog into the river.”

He added: “It was sadistic behaviour. He dragged the dog, the dog looked up to him for help and he puts it over the barrier and pushed it into the cold river.”

Sadistic dog killer Stephen Peveller from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Image: Facebook

Sentencing Peveller to 27 months in prison, the judge told him: “You were walking along with your pet dog, a dog which in May last year you were seeking to keep in a hotel where you were living because it was your emotional support dog and you wanted to keep it despite hotel rules that pets were not allowed.

“It’s clear from the footage that even though you had injured the dog she still looked at you as her master for support.

“You did nothing to assist her, instead when she managed to get back on her feet and was clearly struggling and was clearly looking for you for support, you picked her up put her on the other side of the railings then threw her to her death into the river or the bank of the river.

“You killed your own dog callously and wickedly.”

Peveller pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

For Peveller, Jennifer Coxon said: “There is no getting around that this was a hideous incident and there’s not much mitigation I can put forward for his behaviour given he has no memory of what he has done. It’s an awful incident in relation to a dog which was his own for some time.

“He can’t recall owning a dog himself. He is a vulnerable man and has limited intellectual functioning.”

Sentencing | 27 months’ imprisonment. Banned from owning or keeping animals for life.

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dog used as a weapon, Dogs

Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne: Sean Bell

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CONVICTED (2023) | Sean Michael Bell, born c. 1985, of Banbury Road, Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 – used his pet Staffy as a weapon against police officers, leading to the dog’s destruction.

Violent thug Sean Bell commanded his pet dog to attack two police officers during arrest, leading to a spell in prison for him and the dog losing his life.
Violent thug Sean Bell commanded his pet dog to attack two police officers during arrest, leading to a spell in prison for him and the dog losing his life.

In January 2022 officers from Northumbria Police attended an address in Blyth, Northumberland, in response to reports of domestic violence. On arrival they found Sean Bell drunk and sitting in his car outside the property where his then partner lived.

When officers attempted to detain Bell, he ordered his 10-year-old Staffy, Buster, who was sitting in the back seat, to “get them”. It was then that the dog attacked the officers. Bell encouraged the dog to keep attacking the officers while they tried to place handcuffs on him.

The female officer sustained bite wounds to her thigh and leg, with the male officer sustaining wounds to his thigh and calf.

Bell also attacked both officers and dished out verbal abuse before he was finally arrested.

In custody, Bell then spat at an officer, while screaming abuse from a custody suite.

Bell’s lawyer told the court that Buster is “not dangerous unless in the hands of someone not fit and proper”. She said members of Bell’s family could look after and insure the dog as well as muzzle him on walks. However, Recorder Mark Giuliani rejected this on the basis of Bell’s “chaotic” family background and instead ordered that Buster be destroyed.

A jury found Bell, who has previous convictions for criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, guilty of two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

He was also found guilty of two counts of an assault with intent to avoid apprehension and one count of common assault.

He was sentenced to eight years and six months and banned from keeping pets for 18 years.

After sentencing on 4 April 2023, Ch Supt Sam Renninson said Bell’s actions were “completely unacceptable”. He added: “As a force filled with animal lovers, it is also distressing to see a dog used in such a way to attack our officers.

“It is important that anyone responsible for such behaviour is brought to justice, and I hope this case sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.”

Sentencing | eight years and six months in jail. Banned from keeping pets for 18 years.

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Animal Abandonment, Cats, Dogs, Multiple Species

Walkergate, Newcastle upon Tyne: Lee Jackson

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CONVICTED (2023) | Lee Jackson, born c. 1985, of Tumulus Avenue, Walkergate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 – turned a blind eye to the suffering of a dog and cat left unattended in an empty flat for at least a week.

Animal abuser: Lee Jackson from Newcastle upon Tyne. Geriatric bull terrier Oscar had numerous tumours all over his body and legs and was half bald and covered in fleas
Geriatric bull terrier Oscar had numerous tumours all over his body and legs and was half bald and covered in fleas

Lee Jackson moved out of his flat in Tumulus Avenue, leaving behind bull terrier Oscar and cat Major with neither food nor water. The RSPCA was alerted by police officers after Jackson told them to remove the animals as he had no intention of returning to the property.

RSPCA Inspector Jaqui Miller attended the “unkempt” flat with police and a housing officer on 16 June 2022 and took the animals to a vet for urgent treatment.

Animal abuser: Lee Jackson from Newcastle upon Tyne. Geriatric bull terrier Oscar had numerous tumours all over his body and legs and was half bald and covered in fleas
Oscar was put to sleep after being left “in a shocking state” by his owner, Lee Jackson.

Major was suffering from a flea infestation and was underweight, but went on to make a full recovery. Elderly Oscar, however, was very unwell with multiple untreated tumours including one large mass on his stifle and another in his mouth. The dog was also infested with fleas and patches of his skin were raw and seeping fluid due to damage caused by scratching.

Due to his poor condition, vets put Oscar down to prevent further suffering.

The vet who examined the elderly dog told the court: “Failure to provide veterinary care for the skin masses resulted in large, uncomfortable, awkwardly positioned growths which at the time of examination were very large. The weight of the masses and their positions caused difficulty in lying and would have made mobilisation awkward.

“The tumour on the chest had damaged skin where the stretch had made the skin thin and fragile. The suffering from the oral tumour was of a minimum of several weeks duration.

“The suffering was initially mild as it started to grow but it was moderate to severe when I examined him. The dog’s itchiness was relentless and the skin damage caused by the self-trauma caused progressively worse inflammation.

“His suffering was progressive over many weeks.”

In court Jackson, in prison on unrelated charges, pleaded guilty to four animal welfare offences and was given a suspended 12-week custodial sentence..

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Jacqui said: “Oscar was in a shocking state with one of the worst flea burdens I have ever seen. He was in terrible distress and discomfort with his skin and the many untreated tumours all over his body.

“The mass in his mouth made it painful for him to eat and veterinary treatment should have been sought at a much earlier stage for both animals. Such was the extent of his neglect that Oscar’s life sadly couldn’t be saved, although happily Major recovered well from his ordeal and is now in a new home.”

Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence – suspended for 12 months. Victim surcharge of £128. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires March 2028).

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Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne: Mark Gallagher

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CONVICTED (2023) | Mark Gallagher, born 1990, of Gladstone Street, Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8DJ – locked his pet dog in a filthy room with little food and no water.

Animal abuser Mark Gallagher from Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne

Crossbreed Tyson was just days from death when he was rescued by the RSPCA. The room in which he’d been trapped by his callous owner Mark Gallagher was covered in faeces and urine. The only furniture was an old dilapidated sofa with no cushions.

Tyson was starved almost to death by Mark Gallagher from Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyson was starved almost to death by Mark Gallagher from Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne

The court heard RSPCA inspectors were called to the address where Tyson had been spotted looking out of an upstairs window.

As no one seemed to be in, an inspector placed some sticky tape on the door and returned the following day.

Inspector Terri-Ann Fannon visited the address again and found the tapes were still intact – suggesting nobody had entered the door since.

Tyson was spotted at an upstairs window of the property

Tyson could again be seen in the upstairs window and appeared to be in an ‘extremely poor condition’ and was unable to make his way downstairs to the front door.

Filthy room where Tyson was trapped

Terri-Ann requested police assistance who forced entry and found Tyson with a small amount of food and no water in a room covered in faeces and urine.

After being seized and taken to the vets Tyson drank 1.2 litres of water in about three minutes and ate food given to him in seconds.

Prosecutor Alex Bousfield told the court Tyson was “extremely emaciated” when rescued with most of his ribs visible through his fur.

Tyson was starved almost to death by Mark Gallagher from Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne

Mr Bousfield described how the dog “drank all the water it was given, very quickly. It drank 1.2 litres of water and just wolfed the food down in seconds.”

An examining vet found that Tyson weighed just 20.6kg and was given the lowest body condition score of 1/9. Vets found no underlying medical cause for his dramatic weight loss and it was due simply to lack of food.

His claws were also overgrown from a lack of wear through exercise.

In interview Gallagher admitted the dog had gone from being stocky to “looking like a whippet” but he had failed to take him to the vet.

This is Tyson before his owner effectively abandoned him
This is Tyson before his owner abandoned him. Source: Mark Gallagher / Facebook

He said his partner had left some months earlier and he now had a new girlfriend. He admitted he never took the dog out and left him behind as he spent time at the home of his new partner.

This is Tyson before his owner effectively abandoned him

In court, he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Tyson by failing to adequately explore the cause of the weight loss. He also admitted breach of duty to ensure the animal was provided with a suitably hygienic environment.

Tyson was starved almost to death by Mark Gallagher from Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne

Judge Robert Adams said: “In a couple of days the dog would have died. The dog was effectively starving to death. It is thought it would not have survived much longer.

“The pictures are dreadful, the state of the premises is dreadful. It’s just terrible. Any animal lover looking at those pictures would be appalled.

“He has abandoned a dog to meet its fate and in a couple of days the dog would have died.”

Judge Adams said the animal’s weight, at just over 20 kilos, was “as low as it could be without the dog being dead.”

Brian Mark, defending, told the court Gallagher has a history of mental health problems and added: “All this offending is entirely as a result of his mental health and the treatment of that mental health.”

The court heard Tyson, as well as a fish and parrot that were at the house, were signed over to the RSPCA and the dog has been rehomed.

Sentencing | eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months; rehabilitation requirements; £500 costs. Banned from owning an animal for five years (expires January 2028).

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Daily Mail

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

Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne: Adam Alkour

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CONVICTED (2022) | Adam Neil Alkour, born 18 July 1990, of 87 Grafton House, Heaton Park Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1ST – killed a cat by slitting her throat with a razor blade.

Vile Adam Alkour admitted killing the black and white female cat named Darwin in order to hide the fact he had broken her leg.

A court heard Alkour had taken over the care of the cat after her previous owners became unable to look after her.

Darwin suffered a hellish ordeal at the hands of her sadistic owner

But in a fit of anger during a supposed mental health crisis he hit her so hard he broke her leg. Having been unable to get an appointment to take her to a vet straight away, he became worried a vet would realise what he had done so decided to kill her, two days after breaking her leg.

Alex Bousfield, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told Newcastle Crown Court : “This case concerns the physical abuse and improper killing of a black and white cat, Darwin. He broke her leg, cut her throat and buried her body to avoid detection.”

The court heard Alkour had sent a message to his friend in November 2021 saying the cat had died and the friend expressed his sympathy. In January 2022, Alkour sent a further message saying “in a fit of rage” he broke her leg and had been scared the vet would know what he had done if he took her for treatment, so he killed her.

Mr Bousfield said: “He then said he had walked six miles to bury the cat then returned the next day to bury the cat again because the ground was frozen.”

When spoken to by the RSPCA, Alkour confirmed killing Darwin and said he regretted it and “didn’t butcher her”. Mr Bousfield said: “He described grabbing a razor and cutting her throat. She was in a towel and he stayed with her until she bled out.”

The court heard he said Darwin was terrified of him and a vet said the injury would have caused extreme pain and trauma, the length of which would depend on the depth of the wound, which was unknown as Darwin’s body was never found.

Jonathan Cousins, defending, said the messages Alkour sent showed “remorse”.

He said: “He couldn’t live with the guilt of what he’d done. He said ‘I hate myself to the highest degree’.”

When questioned by the RSPCA in January 2022, Alkour fully admitted to what he had done.

The court heard Alkour deeply regrets what he did “with the deepest part of my heart”.

Mr Cousins said Alkour had grown up in the care system and had suffered neglect and abuse in his life, as well as homelessness.

As a result, he suffers from PTSD and other issues, the court was told.

Alkour, who has nine previous convictions, including for burglary and possessing cannabis with intent to supply, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and two counts of a charge relating to failing to protect an animal from pain and providing veterinary care.

Sentencing | jailed for six months and disqualified from keeping animals for life.

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Dogs

Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne: Neil Coates and Vikki Hoyland

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CONVICTED (2022) | drug dealers Neil Coates, born 4 August 1971, and Vikki Hoyland aka Vikki Rafferty, born c. 1984, from Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne – kept three poorly dogs locked up in squalid conditions of neglect.

Vikki Hoyland and Neil Coates.

The RSPCA rescued Staffies Sox and Nelson and French bulldog Bella from a cramped bathroom with a mountain of faeces inside the home of their owners, Neil Coates and Vikki Hoyland. Four empty bowls were also found on the floor.

Abuse victim Sox
Sox was put to sleep on humane grounds
Abuse victim Nelson and inset foul conditions within the property
Nelson was also euthanised after developing pancreatitis

Two of the animals were so malnourished and suffering from serious underlying health problems that they were unable to stand. Bella had a severe skin infection, which had left her with red raw patches.

All three pets were taken to a vet for treatment but, sadly, Sox and Nelson had to be put to sleep.

The neglected dogs were living in filth and chaos
The neglected dogs were living in filth and chaos

RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws found the dogs “without adequate supplies of food” and in urgent need of veterinary treatment, at the property on Kingsley Terrace, in Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle, on February 6, 2022.

She said: “The bathroom was absolutely filthy. There was a very strong smell of urine and faeces covered the floor from one side of/ithe room to the other. There was a pile of around 30 faeces next to the radiator in the room. Some of these appeared to have been there some time as they were beginning to turn white.

“The faeces had been spread across the floor and ingrained into the flooring, there were paw prints set into the faeces as if they had been there for some time. There were four bowls in the room all of which were completely empty, the bowls had faeces stuck to the side of them. The flooring had been ripped up in places.”

French bulldog Bella was suffering from a skin condition, which had caused hair loss and scabbing
French bulldog Bella was suffering from a skin condition, which had caused hair loss and scabbing. Happily she recovered in the RSPCA’s care

The animals were also malnourished and dangerously underweight, particularly Nelson whose hips, ribs, and spine were “clearly visible”.

Sadly, Nelson was put to sleep after his condition failed to improve and he was suffering from pancreatitis. Sox was also unable to recover after suffering from a malignant tumour.

Vikki Hoyland with Bella, one of the three dogs she left starving in squalor
Vikki Hoyland with Bella, one of the three dogs she left starving in squalor

Bella’s fate, however, has been far more positive after her skin condition responded well to treatment. She is to be rehomed with a loving family after a stint at Felledge Animal Centre.

Coates and Hoyland pleaded guilty to two offences each under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and were given a custodial sentence.

Sentencing | 20 weeks in jail to run concurrently to prison sentences they are both already serving for drug dealing. and will have to pay a victim surcharge of £128 each on their release. No costs were awarded because the defendants are in custody. Banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.

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Northern Echo

Additional Information

In October 2022 Coates and Hoyland, whose address was given as Kingsley Terrace, Elswick, Newcastle, were jailed after leading police to a £28,000 drugs haul when they fell asleep in a car with the engine running and half a kilo of heroin in the footwell.

Police mugshot of convicted animal abusers and drug addicts/dealers Vikki Hoyland and Neil Coates

The pair, described in court as “hapless and shambolic”, drew attention to themselves when they parked up and nodded off in a vehicle. Police officers attended the scene and found the pair, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, with the £10,000 batch of heroin, 21g of cocaine, a knife and baton in the car.

This discovery, in Nottingham, led police to search their home in Newcastle, where another half kilo of heroin, worth more than £10,000, was found stashed in a safe, along with £1,500 in cash and weapons, including machetes, a crossbow and BB gun.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said Coates was a collector of weapons and there was no evidence of them being used. Mr Cornberg added: “People have cuckooed, taken advantage of someone who won’t rat on them and won’t fight back. Obviously this is a house where both of the people living there were taking drugs every day.”

Hoyland told the court she was a drug user and vulnerable at the time.

Coates was found guilty of possessing heroin with intent to supply after a trial and pleaded guilty to possessing the knife and baton found in the car. He was jailed for six-and-a-half years. Hoyland admitted possessing cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. She was jailed for 40 months.

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In September 2019 the Chronicle reported that Neil Coates had been evicted from a housing association property in the Kenton area of Newcastle after a catalogue of incidents of anti-social behaviour and alleged drug dealing.

Neighbours next to the property on Banbury Road had to put up with discarded drug taking paraphernalia, car doors slamming, callers at all hours and disturbances after dark.

A communal area was splattered with blood, urine and vomit which cost £500 to clean up.

Cats, Lifers, UKACF Exclusive, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Coundon, County Durham: Paul Carrick

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CONVICTED (2022) | Paul Carrick, born 19 December 1979, previously of Gurlish West, Coundon. Bishop Auckland* – caught on camera viciously battering a cat multiple times against a wall before stamping on him repeatedly.

Paul Carrick received suspended prison sentence and lifetime ban on keeping animals.

This horrific act of animal cruelty, which took place in December 2021, hasn’t yet made the papers and we don’t want to risk it going under the radar, so here’s what we know.

A neighbour was woken up to the sound of an animal in immense pain and distress and looked out her window to see Carrick attacking a terrified cat.

Victim: although his body has never been found, it is believed that the cat, apparently named Felix (pictured), did not survive.

She ran downstairs immediately to confront Carrick, who told her that his girlfriend was pregnant and the cat was “spraying everywhere”. He claimed he had scared the cat away and denied killing him.

The woman couldn’t see any trace of the cat but spoke to another neighbour the next day, who provided her with CCTV footage showing exactly what had happened.

The witness saw Carrick take rolls of carpet away that same day and believes he may have hidden the cat’s body inside one of those.

Carrick, who works as a roads maintenance worker, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates on 25 August 2022 and was given a 23-week suspended prison sentence. He was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and participate in a 30-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He must pay a total of £2,452 in costs and victim surcharge. He was disqualified from keeping any animals for life.

Magistrates decided not to impose a custodial sentence after Carrick said he was a carer for his girlfriend who supposedly has mental health issues.

Update 8 September 2022

BBC News have now covered the case here. It states that Carrick is now living in the village of Annfield Plain, County Durham.

County Durham and Darlington Magistrates’ Court was told RSPCA inspector Christine Nisbet went to an address in Gurlish Terrace, Coundon, after a complaint from a member of the public.

She was shown a copy of CCTV footage, taken from a security camera nearby, and when she went to his home “immediately recognised” him as the man in the film.

The inspector searched two wheelie bins in Carrick’s yard, and the yard of a neighbouring property, but could not find any trace of the cat.

However, a vet who was asked to review video clips from the footage said that it was “very likely” that the cat had died as a result of the attack.

Carrick admitted hitting the cat against a wall but denied stamping on it.

Magistrates heard a statement from the vet which said: “It can be clearly seen on the footage that [the cat] was slammed into a wall with considerable force and was thrown to the ground.

“Once the cat was on the ground we cannot see him, but given the man leans on the wall where the cat landed and stamps in the same position three times, disappears from view and reappears to stamp in the same place again I think it is reasonable to assume he was stamping on the cat.”

Update October 2022

*According to an anonymous source Carrick is now living in Horden, Peterlee with his girlfriend, Gemma Gray (aka Jemima Doherty). He may also be found in Clavering Place, Annfield Plain, County Durham DH9 7XD, where his parents live.

The source alleges that his girlfriend was never pregnant. She is said to be a heavy cannabis user. Claims in court that he is a carer for her are allegedly false as he works away from home.

Carrick works as a site supervisor for groundworks companies all over the UK, but has recently been based mostly in Reading.

Carrick and his girlfriend have/had a couple of dogs, including a pug who died last year. The cause of the dog’s death isn’t known.