Tag Archives: stabbing

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Oxhill, Warwickshire: Luke Rix

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CONVICTED (2022) | Luke Rix, born October 1990, of Gilks Lane, Oxhill Warwick CV35 0QE – filmed himself hunting wildlife with dogs.

Rix admitted three offences following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity was contacted after videos and images were discovered on an iPad belonging to Rix by his former partner. They showed hunting and persecution of wild mammals using two dogs who were left injured as a result.

Inspectors from the RSPCA joined the officers from Gloucestershire Police when they carried out a warrant at an address in Broadwell Hill, Broadwell, Cheltenham GL56 0UE, where Rix’s phone was seized and his dogs examined by a vet.

A number of videos and photographs were found. One clip contained disturbing footage of Rix filming while two dogs – one being his dog Gunner – attacked a wild boar.

Rix can be heard to be encouraging the dogs saying “look at that boys – big pig – go on boys” and the dogs can be seen latched onto the neck area of the boar as it screams in pain and distress. The boar was already bleeding from a wound caused by Rix stabbing it.

Wildlife killer Rix also failed to care for his dog Gunner.

The vet who examined Gunner found he had a fracture of the upper right canine, missing upper incisors and had lower worn lower incisors and marked dental disease that was so severe the vet felt this would have caused pain for at least three years

Records showed he had not seen a vet since 2019, at which time Rix had been advised that the fractured tooth needed removing due to associated infection and dental disease was pointed out.

Following his rescue, Gunner had to have more than 20 teeth removed.
In an interview, Rix said he had always hunted and had previously been a gamekeeper.

RSPCA solicitor Lindi Meyer, who represented the charity in court, said: “Other seized videos and photos showed dogs ripping apart a fox, dogs with injuries, terriers tormenting a caged rat, and discussions of boar, badger and fox hunting, and conversations with people on social media regarding his hunting exploits.

“Whilst not the subject of criminal charges, all this relevant background information found on his devices shows that the incident with the boar was not an isolated incident and shows he has used his dogs in other situations to set upon a wild animal and that this is a game to him which he will glorify by filming and bragging by distributing it. It also shows that he is prepared to put his dogs at risk.”

In mitigation, it was said Rix was going through a difficult time in his life because of the breakdown of a relationship and issues with his business.

Sentencing | Jailed for 18 weeks; £628 in costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years.

ITV News
BBC News
Warwickshire World

Additional Information

Rix, a former gamekeeper and with links to several fox hunts, is now a tree surgeon by trade.

His company is named Simia Forestry Ltd. Facebook page here, Instagram here.

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Luton, Bedfordshire / Islington, North London: Ryan Gibson and Ciaran Lambert

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CONVICTED (2022) | Ryan Gibson, born c. 1991, of Farley Hill, Luton, and Ciaran Lambert, born c. 1998, most recently of Pleasant Place, Islington but originally from Flitwick, Bedford – stabbed a dog and his owner and hit them both with a hammer.

Ryan Gibson (left) and Ciaran Lambert stabbed and attacked a man and his dog during a burglary in Flitwick, Bedfordshire.

Gibson and Lambert were jailed after being found guilty of aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm in connection to the violent attack in May 2019. At least one of the pair was originally charged with causing unnecessary suffering to the dog but this charge appears to have been dropped. Consequently neither was banned from owning an animal.

At around 5.45am, the victim and his dog, Blue (pictured) were stabbed and hit with a hammer at the victim’s Flitwick home.

Blue recovered from his injuries.

Despite sustaining life threatening chest wounds, the injured victim was able to provide officers with the names of his attackers. He also mentioned he believed the attack related to a small debt.

Several neighbours were alerted by the sound of glass smashing, followed by screams and shouts. They found the victim badly injured at the bottom of the stairs to his flat.

They went to his aid, noting the injured man was more concerned for the welfare of his dog, who had sustained two injuries, than his own condition. Several neighbours were able to provide details of the car used by the attackers.

Later that morning, officers identified the car at a property in Farley Hill, Luton. Armed officers entered the property and arrested Gibson and Lambert.

During a subsequent search of the property, a number of bags of cannabis were discovered as well as a balaclava, similar to one the victim said had been worn by one of his attackers.

The victim and his dog meanwhile both received emergency treatment and were able to survive their injuries.

During a two-week trial in May, the jury heard one of the offenders filmed themselves callously bragging about the attack. They had also stolen items from the victim’s home.

Following sentencing, DC Rebecca Crowley, who led the investigation, said: “The neighbours’ swift action in calling the ambulance ultimately saved the life of the victim and his dog.

Sentencing | Gibson was sentenced to 11 years for aggravated burglary, with an extended licence of three years on release. He will also serve a concurrent sentence of nine years for GBH with intent.
Lambert was sentenced to eight years for aggravated burglary, to run concurrent with a six year sentence for GBH with intent.

Bedford Today

Dogs, police dogs, service and working dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Guildford, Surrey: Reece Armstrong

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CONVICTED (2022) | Reece Armstrong, born 4 February 1996, of no fixed abode but originally from Guildford, with links to Stanwell, Camberley and Folkestone – lunged at a police dog with a zombie knife.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Reece Armstrong/Facebook

Career criminal Reece Armstrong told a police officer “I’m going to kill your dog” when they responded to an incident in Folkestone.

After swinging the blade and catching PD Blue’s collar, Armstrong fled but was located by firearms patrols in the town centre five days later.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Kent Police
Image source: Kent Police / Twitter

He again tried to flee but was caught with the help of a police drone and detained.

Armstrong’s “utterly abhorrent behaviour” began on the afternoon of March 23, 2022, when police responded to reports of an altercation between two men in Endrook Valley.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Kent Police

An officer attended the area with PD Blue and approached Armstrong at around 4.20pm.

After initially interacting well, his mood changed and he brandished a large zombie knife from his hoodie.

He became very aggressive and moved towards the officer and Blue, threatening to kill the animal.

Fearing for his safety and for Blue’s, the officer shouted at Armstrong to stop and step back. He ignored the commands and swung the knife at Blue, with the blade catching his collar.

Armstrong then fled the scene. Fortunately, Blue was not harmed.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Reece Armstrong/Facebook

He was arrested days later following the use of a police drone to follow his movements across town.

Following his arrest officers located the zombie knife he had used in his attack on Blue.

After being interviewed in custody and charged in relation to the offences committed, Armstrong was immediately recalled to prison for breaching the terms of his licence in relation to a separate conviction.
He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on 7 July 2022.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Kent Police

Investigating officer PC Sophia Lateu said: “Armstrong’s behaviour was utterly abhorrent; PD Blue and his handler were extremely lucky to be able to walk away from this incident unharmed.

“Every day our officers are required to attend unpredictable, challenging and sometimes volatile situations. However, like any other job, officers should be able to perform their roles without being the subject of such disgusting and potentially dangerous actions.

“Any assaults on police officers, staff or our police dogs are completely unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who put their safety and the safety of other emergency workers at risk in this way.”

Sentencing | two-year custodial.

Kent Online
ITV News
KentLive

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

Hartlepool, County Durham: Luke Proffitt

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#MostEvil | Luke Proffitt, born c. 2000, of no fixed abode – stabbed his pet German shepherd 12 times during a “mental health crisis”, causing fatal injuries.

Career criminal Luke Proffitt stabbed GSD Bella (pictured) multiple times and left her to die on the beach.

Proffitt caused a number of wounds to the dog, named Bella, who was found injured and bleeding by a member of the public on Hendon Beach in Sunderland.

The court heard that despite by vets to save the dog, she later passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said that a worker from the Happier Days For Strays charity received a call notifying them the dog was on Hendon Beach on December 16, 2021.

He told the court that the dog was found to be a healthy weight but had blood coming from her body.

Vets operated in a desperate attempt to save Bella’s life but she died under anaesthetic.

Mr Wardlaw said: “She attended and saw a female dog covered in blood and unable to walk due to the injuries sustained.

“The dog was given pain relief. The intention being the dog would be anaesthetised the following morning and treated.

“There were two 2cm wounds to the left chest resulting in penetrative chest injury.”

The court heard that Bella also suffered multiple wounds to her neck and a further two puncture wounds to her body.

However, despite CPR being administrated, she passed away after going into heart failure whilst under the anaesthetic.

Mr Wardlaw added: “It’s clear that due to the extent of her injuries it was a sustained and prolonged assault and caused suffering which ultimately led to her death.

“At the time it was not known who the dog belonged to. On the 16th of December the defendant had contacted his mental health worker stating he had stabbed his dog.”

After he was arrested by police, Proffit provided no comment in interview but did tell officers “It’s not illegal to kill your dog.”

Proffitt later admitted causing unnecessary suffering to animal. He has 25 previous convictions.

He also committed the offence whilst under the supervision of an unrelated suspended prison sentence.

Judge Edward Bindloss sentenced Proffitt to 18 months behind bars.

The judge said: “She was an adult female three to six years. Up until the day of you injured her she was in good condition.

“You were somebody who had been suffering from emotional and unstable personality disorder and that was exasperated by substance abuse.

“You took Bella outside with a knife and you stabbed her 12 times in a prolonged and sustained attack and went back to your flat.

“I have taken the view it would not be appropriate to suspend the sentence.”

Dog killer Luke Proffit. Picture: Facebook.
Luke Proffitt. Picture: Facebook.

Wildlife Enforcement Officer PC Peter Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an absolutely horrendous case and I welcome the custodial sentence handed down to Proffit.

“It is without question that the dog was subjected to sustained violence and she was found by members of the public with appalling injuries to her body and neck on Hendon beach.

“Proffitt is one of the first offenders in our Force to be jailed since tougher sentencing guidelines were introduced in courts across the UK last summer for the most heinous animal cruelty crimes.

“We are a nation of animal lovers, and it is always disappointing and upsetting when crimes like this happen. I hope this case sends out a strong message – anyone who hurts or abuses animals will be brought to justice.

“We will continue to work with our fantastic colleagues and partners, including the RSPCA, to educate everyone – including young people in schools across the North East – of the importance of looking after animals.”

Sentencing | jailed for 18 months and banned from owning animals for 18 years.

Chronicle Live

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

Pembroke, Pembrokeshire: Josh Norman

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#MostEvil | former soldier Joshua James Norman, born 4 May 1996, of Lowless Close, Pembroke SA71 5QL – attacked his pet dog with a knife and a blunt object.

Former paratrooper Josh Norman stabbed Simba with a kitchen knife and beat him with a blunt object.

Norman stabbed chocolate Labrador Simba in the neck with a large knife before repeatedly beating him to the head and body with a heavy object. The dog was found cowering, whimpering and bleeding heavily in the bathroom of Norman’s flat.

The court heard that on March 5, 2022, Norman was in contact with an ex-partner by phone, and told her he was going to take his own life.

Sian Cutter, prosecuting, said the woman was concerned about what was going on and so went to the Pembroke Dock flat where Norman was temporarily living. The court heard the ex-partner described the flat as “looking like a bomb had hit it” with clothes and other objects strew around, windows smashed and curtains pulled down, dog faeces and patches of urine on the floors, and blood smeared on the walls.

The woman found Simba lying on the bathroom flat in a pool of blood and in a distressed state, with an open wound in the shoulder and neck area. The ex-partner subsequently contacted the police who attended the flat and arrested the defendant. In the flat officers found a knife with a 13 cm blade which was covered in blood and black hair, a hammer, and a small quantity of cannabis.

Photo credit Greenacres Rescue

Simba was taken to the vet where, due to the seriousness of his injuries, he had to be sedated. An examination of the dog found a 10cm-deep wound in the shoulder and neck area along with extensive bruising and swelling around the eyes, and multiple traumatic blunt force injuries to the head and body. The dog is now in the care of an animal charity.

In a subsequent interview Norman said he had drunk a litre of vodka, half a bottle of gin, and cans of lager and did not know what he had done – though he denied hitting the dog with a hammer The court heard he refused to look at pictures of the injuries inflicted on the animal.

Simba made a remarkable recovery in the care of Greenacres Rescue and has now been adopted.

Norman pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, criminal damage, and possession of cannabis.

Dyfed Thomas, for Norman, said the defendant had served in the Army – on his client’s instructions with 2 Para – though his service “did not end well” as he failed a drugs test, went absent without leave, and was then discharged. He said Norman had been experiencing mental health difficulties including post-traumatic stress disorder, and had been abusing alcohol and controlled drugs but was now, in his client’s own words, the “cleanest” he had been in the last two-and-a-half years. The barrister acknowledged the attack on the dog had been “awful and nasty” but said the context of it was the defendant’s mental health and drink and drug issues.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins told Norman he had committed a “gratuitous and cowardly attack on a defenceless animal”, and said any sentence other than one of immediate custody would not be appropriate.

Sentencing | 10 months in prison comprising 10 months for the animal offence, one month for the criminal damage, and one month for the drug matter all to run concurrently. Five-year ban on owning a domestic animal (expires April 2027).

Wales Online

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

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

Rotherham, South Yorkshire: Josef Darnia

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CONVICTED (2022) | Josef Darnia, born 18 May 1984. of 185 Broom Valley Road, Moorgate, Rotherham S60 3AA – slit his dog’s throat with a knife in a so-called “religious ritual”.

Lilly
Lilly

Polish national Darnia, who has links to Shepperton in Surrey, was given a community sentence and shocking five-year ban for the senseless killing of the chihuahua, named Lilly. Witnesses describe seeing the warehouse operative in his garden holding a bloodied bag. Police attended and found the dog’s body hidden behind a bush. The knife Darnia had used to kill her was found inside the house.

Darnia’s two other dogs were seized by police for their own safety.

The incident happened during the afternoon of Friday, October 15, 2021.

Sentencing: two year community order with 25 days of rehab; 90 days of alcohol abstinence; £95 costs. Five-year ban.

Examiner Live

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

Pilton, Edinburgh: Declan Milne

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#MostEvil | Declan Milne, born 16 December 1999, of 129 Crewe Crescent, Pilton, Edinburgh EH5 2JN – stabbed a labrador 14 times with scissors.

Max had 14 separate wounds on his head and body.

Milne used his partner’s nail scissors to strike her four-year-old black Labrador, Max, on the head, cheek, and thighs.

He carried out the “appalling attack” on July 22, 2021.

Max belonged to the parents of Milne’s girlfriend but the couple were looking after him while they were on break.

Following the attack, Milne’s girlfriend found Max cowering in fear with faeces all over the floor and on his tail.

She questioned Milne who denied any wrongdoing but when she discovered a pair of nail scissors was missing from her set, she realised that they had what looked like black dog hair on them.

Scottish SPCA inspector Fiona Thorburn was alerted to the incident after a vet who treated Max was concerned by the number of injuries he had across his body.

The vet recognised these wounds were non-accidental and had immediate concerns for Max’s welfare so they contacted the animal helpline.

The scissors were taken for forensic analysis and dog blood and DNA was found on them.

Milne was charged under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 under Section 19 1 (a) and (b) for causing Max unnecessary suffering by stabbing him with nail scissors multiple times.

Speaking about the case Inspector Thorburn said, “After Milne’s girlfriend discovered Max with the fresh injuries, she immediately phoned her family who returned from their weekend away. The family were incredibly concerned and took Max straight to the vet where he received prompt treatment for his wounds.

“This has been an incredibly distressing time for Max and his owners. The family trusted Milne to look after their pet and unbeknownst to them, Milne caused Max a great deal of stress and pain. The suffering to Max is not just physical but would have caused him immense mental anguish too.

“The puncture wounds were on Max’s head, cheek, his thighs and muzzle. The vet determined that the injuries were caused by repeated trauma with a sharp object. A second vet was consulted who surmised that it was beyond any reasonable doubt that Max had sustained those injuries by deliberate violent means.

“We are glad that Milne pled guilty and admitted to this appalling crime.

“We don’t believe this was the first time that Max was caused to suffer at the hands of Milne.

“What we can take away from this is that Milne was caught when he was so that Max did not have to continue to suffer.

“We are pleased to say that Max recovered well from his wounds no doubt helped by being surrounded by his loving family.

“The Sheriff stated in court that he was ‘nauseated by the cruelty’ Milne had shown towards Max.

“We are pleased that Milne admitted his guilt in this case and that he has been handed this sentence. The ban will ensure no other animals will suffer at his hands like Max did.

“We would like to thank Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) who carried out the DNA testing.”

Milne was charged under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 under Section 19 1 (a) and (b) for causing Max unnecessary suffering by stabbing him with nail scissors multiple times.

Sentencing: four-month restriction of liberty order; 200-hour community payback order. Ten-year ban on owning animals.

STV News
Edinburgh Live

Animal Torture, hedgehogs, Other Mammals, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Bonnyrig, Midlothian: Niall Sheridan

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CONVICTED (2021) | Niall S Sheridan, born 14 May 1999, with a most recent known address of Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg EH19 3AE but with links to the towns of Loanhead, Lasswade and Gorebridge, Midlothian – tortured and killed a hedgehog by stamping on her, stabbing her with a knife and striking her with a pool cue.

Niall Sheridan, who tortured a helpless hedgehog to death.

Sheridan also played football with the female creature in the corridor of his homeless accommodation in Midlothian and hit her with a ‘wet floor’ cone.

He used a knife to stab the hedgehog around ten times during the harrowing incident caught on CCTV.

As Sheridan laughed and joked with another man and filmed the abuse on his mobile phone, the hedgehog suffered an agonising 20 minute ordeal.

Police were called by concerned staff at the Kilbreck House homeless unit and officers were forced to restrain Sheridan using handcuffs, leg restraints and a spit hood.

The court heard he shouted threats including saying he would “slit their throats” and “harm their families”.

A postmortem conducted by a vet found the hedgehog likely endured “significant and unnecessary pain and suffering” as death wasn’t instantaneous.

Sadistic animal abuser Niall Sheridan

The thug pleaded guilty to a number of charges including causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering before killing it on July 12, 2021.

Sheridan also pleaded guilty to charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, knife possession, and making threats of violence to police.

Sheridan’s lawyer, David Storrie, told the court his client was high on a mixture of drink and drugs at the time.

The court heard he had consumed an “alarming amount of vodka and Buckfast” as well as Valium before the incident.

Storrie added that Sheridan is now clean of drugs due to being on remand and the period of custody has “done him the power of good”.

But Sheriff Daniel Kelly told Sheridan he had committed a “cruel and prolonged” attack on the animal and had “caused significant injuries and ultimately its death”.

He added: “It does have to be recognised that this was horrific, and a horrific way to treat an animal.

“You were admitted to Kilbreck House and you did go out and return with the hedgehog so there is some intent there.”

Sentencing: jailed for 20 months and banned from owning or keeping any animal for the next 10 years.

Edinburgh Evening News

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

Brighton, East Sussex: Stephen Bouquet

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CONVICTED (2021) | Stephen R Bouquet, born 05/01/1967 (deceased), of Rose Hill Terrace, Brighton BN1 4JJ – killed nine cats and maimed seven more during nine-month animal cruelty campaign

Brighton Cat Killer Stephen Bouquet, a security guard and former Royal Navy seaman was convicted of killing nine cats after stabbing at least 16 pets during an eight-month rampage.

Bouquet stabbed at least 16 pet cats and potentially many more.

He killed nine cats and seven more he left for dead survived. Some of his victims are shown in our photo montage.

Authorities fear Bouquet could be responsible for other possible cat attacks in the city.

Bouquet was tried in his absence after failing to appear at court.
Police apprehended him in Brighton on the evening of 28 June 2021 after a tip off from a member of the public who saw him drinking and behaving oddly in a city park.

His location was kept secret from the jury who took three hours to find him guilty.

The court heard Bouquet had pictures of the cats he attacked on his phone. When they searched his flat, police found a knife stained with feline blood in his kitchen.

Phone data placed him at or near the scene when cats were attacked.

Bouquet obsessively searched online for coverage of his animal cruelty.

He copied reports from Brighton daily paper The Argus and The Guardian onto his phone as news of his crimes spread.

Bouquet was convicted of damaging and destroying property.

Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Gold QC said the crimes were ‘appalling’ and the impact on the owners and their families was ‘considerable and grave’.

‘No explanation for your behaviour has been put forward but no sensible explanation could be advanced.’

He jailed Bouquet for five years for the cat killings, three months for possession of the knife to be served concurrently and three months for failing to answer bail to be served consecutively – a total sentence of five years and three months.

Sentencing: jailed for a total of five years and three months. As he was not prosecuted under animal welfare legislation he was not banned from keeping animals.

Daily Mail

Update

On 18 January 2022 it was reported that Bouquet had died in prison apparently from cancer.