CONVICTED (2024) | wildlife persecutor and backyard breeder Riley Jay Ronald Leigh-Shaw, born 16 April 2001, of Southern Cottages, Horton Road, near Stanwell, Staines-upon-Thames TW19 6AG – kept two lurchers, a Patterdale terrier and a Jack Russell in dilapidated and filthy outdoor cages.
Riley Leigh-Shaw, an animal abuser from the Spelthorne district of Surrey.
Surrey Police officers found the four dogs after conducting a warrant at an address in Stanwell on May 11, 2023. The animals, who all appeared neglected and malnourished, were kept in dilapidated wooden cages within the garden of the property.
Two of Leigh-Shaw’s dogs. All four were malnourished and kept in ramshackle cages full of rubbish and excrement.
The dogs were seized under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act and taken to a vets for assessment. At least one of them needed urgent medical treatment.
In court, Leigh-Shaw pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering and four counts of keeping the dogs in unsuitable conditions.
Investigating Officer PC Duncan MacKenzie said; “This was a shocking case where the dogs were kept in appalling conditions. Fortunately, the dogs have all now been placed in loving homes and will be able to live as they should.
“If you think someone is mistreating or neglecting animals in their care, please make sure to report it to us.”
Sentencing | 75 days in prison. Ten-year ban on owning animals.
CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeders Joshua Brown, born 2 August 1991, and Mary Lou Brown, née Mary Lou Wenman, born 15 December 1990, of Kew Garden, Antlands Lane, Shipley Bridge, Horley RH6 9TE – kept 20 malnourished dogs in filthy unsanitary kennels.
Travellers Mary Lou and Joshua Brown, who are also horse traders, kept dogs in horrendous conditions and fed them on bread and human fast food
A Surrey court handed travellers Joshua and Mary Lou Brown a combined fine of £10,000 and suspended sentences after police officers seized 20 dogs from kennels they described as the “worst” they had ever seen.
One kennel was found with “layers of faeces”, while dogs are said to have survived only on bread and McDonald’s takeaways.
Police raided the address in Shipley Bridge back in April 2021 where they found 20 dogs, who were seized under the Animal Welfare Act.
Investigating officer PC Lee Newman claimed the state the animals were found in was the “worst” he had seen in his career.
The couple attempted to use the defence ‘we didn’t own them’ to justify the maltreatment of these animals, Surrey Police said.
Surrey Police confirmed that all 20 dogs have since been rehomed and are living a much happier life, but said that “a couple are still struggling” to understand there are kind people in the world, police added.
Before and after photos of some of the dogs rescued from a disgusting puppy farm run by travellers Mary Lou and Joshua Brown
PC Newman said: “Over the course of my career, the state these animals were found in was the worst I’ve ever seen.
“The robust sentence imposed by the court goes to show that the police and criminal justice system will work together to ensure that offenders will not get off lightly.
“It’s satisfying to see that the courts will take a serious stance on cruelty towards animals and, while the victims of these crimes were not humans, they have been given the justice they deserve as much as anyone else.”
All kennels at the Shipley Bridge address were said to be in a “poor state”, but Wildlife and Rural Crime officer PC Laura Rowley described one as the worst she has smelt. This was said to have had a dirty floor with a damaged roof as well as layers of faeces.
Follow-up enquiries also established the dogs’ diets had widely consisted of bread and fast food.
Sentencing | Joshua Brown: 20 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 200 hours of unpaid work. Mary Lou Brown: 12 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 120 hours of unpaid work. Both were ordered to pay £5,000 compensation – £10,000 total. Both were disqualified from owning or controlling dogs or horses for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2023) | Jimmy Smith, born c. 1988, a traveller most recently of Thames Ditton, Elmbridge, Surrey but with links to Ashford, Hounslow and Feltham – killed two cocker spaniel puppies by repeatedly slamming them into a concrete floor.
Puppy killer: Jimmy Smith
Smith attacked the cocker spaniels – named Sky and Angel – in a despicable act of cruelty following a campaign of abuse against his partner.
Victims Sky and Angel
“[Your partner] saw that you had both of her puppies on their leads and then heard a thud and the puppies screaming,” he said.
Judge Simon Taylor KC described the harrowing moment Smith took the lives of the two defenceless dogs at their home in Ashford, Kent.
“She saw you swinging the puppies by their leads and hitting their heads against the solid concrete floor, throwing them to the ground repeatedly.
“The next time she looked she saw that you were dragging the puppies along the floor by their leads.”
Following Smith’s fit of rage, one puppy died at the scene while the other was put down at a veterinary practice.
During the years prior to killing the dogs, Smith subjected his partner to persistent physical assaults, stalking, threatening and controlling behaviour.
Smith’s victim told the court in a statement she lived in “constant fear” during their 13-year relationship, and continues to feel terrified.
Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour between August 2019 and August 2022.
The abuser, who has six convictions for 20 offences, was supported by about 20 family members in the public gallery.
They could be heard trying to console Smith after the judge passed sentence.
Representing Smith, Benjamin Hargreaves said he is illiterate, “finds language hard to comprehend”, and subsequently descends into aggression.
An RSPCA spokesperson said of the puppies’ deaths: “We are so sad to hear about this deeply tragic case.
“This shocking incident reminds us that pets sadly can be used as a way of controlling people, as a form of domestic violence.
“We would urge anyone experiencing these problems to seek help from the police or a domestic abuse charity, who will also be aware of any charities who provide pet fostering services to help care for animals while owners can get the support they need.”
Sentencing | jailed for seven years and five months. 10-year-restraining order.
In 2013 Smith was jailed for 90 days and banned from keeping pets for 10 years for failing to feed and get treatment for a sick lurcher puppy. The emaciated pup, dubbed Orphan Annie, was found weak, cold and barely able to stand due to ulcers on her paws.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
CONVICTED (2022) | hare courser Albert Eastwood, born 25 September 1995, of Denton Close, Redhill RH1 5LB
Eastwood, a traveller and like his father, fellow hare courser Albert Eastwood Sr, a career criminal admitted hare coursing and causing criminal damage to fields on the estate in north Essex.
Eastwood had been spotted on February 1, 2022, driving his 4×4 vehicle at speed across a field, following a lurcher which was chasing a hare. Essex Police were called by one of the gamekeepers and stopped Eastwood’s vehicle before he could leave the estate.
The vehicle contained two lurchers, together with three dead hares concealed in the passenger footwell.
The padlock and chain securing the field gate had been removed and tyre marks and ruts could be seen across the field.
Eastwood was reported for hare coursing and criminal damage.
The estate manager, who wished not to be named, said: “Full marks to Essex Police for pursuing this to a prosecution because hare coursing is a difficult crime to prosecute, although I’m hoping that Government plans to introduce tougher sentencing will happen soon.
“Hare coursing is a scourge and, quite apart from the fate of our brown hares, it often has links to organised crime, although not in this case. Thousands of pounds can be gambled at illegal coursing events.
“We really appreciate the police support.”
Albert Eastwood Sr
PC Clare Dawson added: “Eastwood had driven a vehicle across farmland, which not only had the potential to damage crops but also caused ruts, which damage soil structure and can affect future crop yields.
“Hare coursing is a cruel activity, not just because hares are killed in the name of what some still persist in calling a ‘sport’ but because the dogs involved are often mistreated, too.
Sentencing | fined £200 for hare coursing and £100 for criminal damage. Ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the estate, £105 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
CONVICTED (2021) | poachers Albert Eastwood Sr, born c. 1975, from Redhill and Charles Lee, born c. 1985, from Sevenoaks
Albert Eastwood, left, and Charles Lee were caught poaching.
Traveller Albert Eastwood, a notorious rogue trader with multiple convictions for ripping off the elderly (as does his son, Albert Eastwood Jr) and accomplice Charles Lee led police officers on a pursuit after being spotted in East Cambridgeshire.
A member of the public saw the pair acting suspiciously on fields near Swaffham Bulbeck on November 6, 2019.
They were then seen leaving the area by Cambridgeshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) in a Volvo S40.
But officers soon caught up with the pair and Eastwood was found to have driven at double the speed limit through Bottisham.
He stopped the car and was arrested.
Albert Eastwood Sr (left) and associates. Source: Facebook
In March 2021 both Eastwood and Lee pleaded guilty to daytime trespass in pursuit of game (poaching).
They were handed a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) and ordered to pay £594 in fines and costs.
Albert Eastwood Sr and Jr (middle and right)
Eastwood was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 24 months, 250 hours of unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also ordered to pay £2,500 in costs, disqualified from driving for 18 months and to complete an extended retest.
CONVICTED (2021) | puppy farmer/horse dealer Geoffrey John Bennett, born c. 1954, of Hurst Farm, Portsmouth Road, Ripley, Woking GU23 6EY – kept dozens of animals in squalor on his puppy farm; some found collapsed and dying in filthy conditions.
Geoffrey Bennett
Geoffrey Bennett, a dealer of low value horses and donkeys with strong links to the travelling community, was jailed for 19 weeks having pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two horses and one goat, failing to meet the needs of 171 animals, and six offences of failing to properly dispose of animal by-products.
Bennett “accepted no responsibility nor expressed anything resembling remorse” in relation to the charges, Recorder Darren Reed told the court.
A total of 204 animals were discovered and tragically two starving horses and a collapsed goat had to be put down at the scene to prevent them from any more suffering.
The 201 others were taken for appropriate care, including 129 horses and donkeys, 59 dogs, three alpacas, five goats, four chickens and one duck.
Some of the sickest animals received immediate veterinary care while others were taken for treatment nearby, and those that were considered fit to travel by on-site vets were transferred to various charities and sanctuaries.
Bennett and partner Christine Kelly went on trial, accused of 24 counts, most of which were related to animal cruelty. The case against Kelly was later discontinued although she went on to be prosecuted for other animal welfare offences*.
RSPCA rescuers worked with Bransby Horses, Redwings, The Horse Trust, The Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare in “one of the biggest coordinated rescue missions the UK has ever seen”.
Rescuers discovered two starving ponies, suffering from cyathostominosis, in one pen and a goat collapsed in another. Sadly these animals couldn’t be saved.
Herds of ponies, many riddled with worms, were living out in fields with hazardous metal and broken fencing sticking up from the thick mud. Inside two barns were pens full with donkeys, goats, alpacas and ponies, many of them standing on top of 2ft to 3ft of months’ worth of waste and faeces.
Bennett failed to provide drinking water, parasitic treatment, adequate nutrition, dental care, hoof and nail trimming, veterinary treatment for infections, disease and lameness, clean and dry resting places and living space.
The charity also found dogs, some heavily pregnant, chained and tethered in a filthy yard, with others shut inside small cages or makeshift kennels.
During the raid, “bones and carcasses” were discovered wrapped in horse rugs on a muck heap including “one equine [carcass]”, prosecutor Hazel Stevens told the court.
Bone samples were collected for analysis and according to Ms Stevens, a goat leg was also found.
A video showing upsetting scenes of what the RSPCA discovered upon executing the warrant was played in court as Bennett watched on.
Twenty foals were born in charity care, two of which were stillborn, as well as six goat kids, one alpaca and nine puppies – but two died shortly after birth.
Defending, Michael Fullerton said Bennett was retired and had “no intention” of going back to farming.
He added: “In respect of the general condition of the farm, December 2018 and January 2019 were particularly wet.
“The areas with significantly muddy tracks, that was because tractor would go through to spread the hay for the horses. Muddy yes, but food was available for those in the field.”
Bennett was sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to two horses and one goat, failing to meet the needs of 171 animals and six counts of failing to properly dispose of animal by-products.
Speaking about the case, RSPCA Special Operations Unit case officer Kirsty Withnall said: “The RSPCA and World Horse Welfare officers had received complaints about the farm and had been looking into these concerns and gathering evidence.
“This was a huge multi-agency rescue mission which was the culmination of weeks of planning and evidence gathering. In total, there were 100 staff from different agencies working on the case to help round up the animals.
“It took almost 12 hours on the day to assess all of the animals, load them into horse boxes and animal ambulances, and move them off-site; making it one of the biggest coordinated rescue missions the UK has ever seen.
“We had to have a plan in place that would allow us to remove a large number of animals on the day but we hoped that wouldn’t be necessary and had no idea what action would be taken until vets were able to assess all of the animals.”
She added: “The reason I do my job is because I care passionately about animals and I’ll be overjoyed when all of these animals are in loving homes being given the care, love and attention they deserve.”
PC Hollie Iribar from Surrey Police commented: “As a Rural and Wildlife Crime Officer for Surrey Police, I have witnessed some devastating acts of animal cruelty over the years.
“This was one of the most difficult cases I’ve seen, and I am grateful to the RSPCA and our other partner agencies for the hard work put in to bring this case to trial.
“I’m very glad that this heartbreaking case has seen a resolution in the courts, and that the animals involved were rescued and given a second chance at a happy and healthy life.”
A spokesperson from World Horse Welfare described the case as “challenging”, and added: “We are relieved that we were able to help remove so many horses from these conditions so they could have a better life and receive the care they deserve.”
Sentencing: jailed for 19 weeks and disqualified from keeping all animals for life.
Christine June Kelly was found guilty of 15 offences under the Animal Welfare Act after a trial over dates in June and August 2022.
Christine Kelly
Kelly was found guilty of failing to meet the needs of 131 equines by failing to provide a suitable environment, a water supply, adequate nutrition, routine dental or farrier care, or adequate parasitic treatment or control and treatment for prevention of illness and disease.
She was also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a number of horses, dogs and goats.
She was handed a 26-week prison sentence – suspended for 18 months – as well as being disqualified from keeping all animals for life. A deprivation order – relating to 12 dogs and seven horses – was also issued, meaning the charities can now rehome them.
All other animals had previously been signed over for care by the charities or to be rehomed.
CONVICTED (2021) | zoophiles Mark Findlater, born c. 1987, of Sidlaw Range, Kirriemuir DD8 5DW, Joshua Lee-Paterson, born c. 2000, of Millden Steading West, House West, Balmedie, Aberdeen AB23 8YY, and Jordan Turnbull, born c. 1992, of Meigle Street, Galashiels, TD1 1LN.
Horse rapists Jordan Turnbull (left) and Joshua Lee-Paterson
Jordan Turnbull and Joshua Lee-Paterson each admitted having an “unnatural connection” with separate horses at Cothal Farm in Fintray.
Serial offender Mark Findlater pictured during his previous prosecution case. He was said to have coerced the other two into raping the ponies
A third male, Mark Findlater, admitted a charge of distributing “obscene material” of his co-accused “engaging in sexual activities with horses”.
The incident happened in a small wooden stable in a field.
At the time, the Shetland ponies – named Jack and Ruby – were owned by Findlater.
The court heard Findlater was in a relationship with Turnbull and Lee-Paterson at different times.
Jordan Turnbull
Both men blamed him, claiming he controlled and manipulated them into attacking the horses.
Lee-Paterson said he was trying to protect the animals.
Prosecutor Colin Neilson told the court: “He said that Findlater had threatened to harm the horses if he didn’t carry out the acts.”
All of the depraved incidents, during which an air compression device was used, were captured on a mobile phone.
Findlater, who has a past conviction for possession of animal pornography, insisted he had not witnessed the sickening attacks and received the images on social media.
Between January 17 and February 11, 2020, Findlater sent a number of packages to people containing letters “describing the acts of bestiality undertaken by the co-accused” along with images depicting the acts.
The images were sent to various people including the manager of a hotel, residents of several farms and cottages, and a newspaper reporter.
Joshua Lee-Paterson
Solicitor Stuart Murray, representing Lee-Paterson, said the offence had taken place when his client was “on the cusp of turning 18”.
He added a court-ordered social work report contained discussion over concerns of “controlling and coercive behaviour” from Findlater.
Regarding the offence, Mr Murray went on: “He’s struggling to come to terms with the fact he has taken part in that type of behaviour.
“The report states Mr Paterson was not driven or motivated by any sexual attraction to animals.”
The solicitor said his client suffered from “worrying mental health issues and had been “coerced” into committing the offence.
Defence agent James Caird, representing Findlater, said: “He was not involved in the abuse of the animals or in any way present when the photos were taken.
“He received these images as a member of a social media group.”
Mr Caird said his client suffered from mental health problems, adding: “His position is he was a whistle-blower in this matter.”
The solicitor accepted Findlater had a previous conviction for possession of “similar material”.
Lawyer Mathew Patrick, appearing for Turnbull, said his client had also been pressured into committing the offence.
He said: “Were it not for that intimidation, it’s certain, Mr Turnbull’s position is, this offence would not have taken place.”
Mr Patrick said his client is “otherwise a respectable member of society” and runs his own firm.
He explained Turnbull suffered from psychological difficulties, added: “It does seem to me he’s easily open to suggestion and easily led and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if that played some part in this.”
Sentencing: Findlater – jailed for 13 months and two weeks. Lee-Paterson – 18 months supervision and 225 hours of unpaid work. He was also made subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act for 18 months. Turnbull – jailed for seven months and made subject to the notification requirements for 10 years. None of them were banned from keeping or having access to animals.
Joshua Lee-Paterson gave his address in court as Bell Place, Bagshot, Surrey GU19 5NE.
Update October 2022
Operation Frankish 2 – Cage The Monsters (OF) revealed on their Facebook page that Jordan Turnbull was working as a coach driver with Edinburgh Coach Lines, and dealing with members of the public, including children, on a daily basis.
Suspecting that Edinburgh Coach Lines was unaware of their employee’s sick past, OF reached out but the company’s response was muted to say the least.
So OF went to the papers and on 18 October 2022 The Sun ran a story on the scandal, with their reporter confronting Turnbull at his workplace.
Like his (hopefully now former) employer, Turnbull had little to say.
Excellent work as ever by OF as another animal abuser learns the hard way that their vile behaviour will neither be forgiven, nor forgotten.
CONVICTED (2021) | Shawn Geoffrey Power, born 6 April 1979, of Addlestone Road, Addlestone, Surrey, but with strong links to the Cobham area – attacked his two dogs in front of witnesses
Officers were called to Morrisons in Woking on Thursday 6 August 2020 after a man was seen “beating his dogs up and throwing them around and stuffing them into bags.”
Eyewitnesses told police that they saw the suspect chasing after a small brown dog who had run off from him outside Morrisons. He threw his backpack at one of the dogs, which hit her, then picked the dog up and started strangling and punching her whilst swearing at her.
When members of the public intervened, the man started shouting and swearing at them, before he eventually walked off, stuffing the dog into his backpack and zipping it up.
Police located Power nearby on Goldsworth Road, and he was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, not meeting an animal’s needs, and public order.
The two dogs, Bruno and Kizzy, were seized under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They were taken to a vet and examined. Their coat condition was poor and the vet was able to confirm animal welfare offences against Kizzy for strangulation and placing her in a bag on a hot day, and against Bruno for allowing him to run in and out of traffic.
Power was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, subject to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act, relating to strangling Kizzy. He was also found guilty of two counts of not meeting the needs of a protected animal subject to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act, relating to not providing the correct environment for the dogs by putting Kizzy in the bag and allowing Bruno to run into the road.
Within a few days of the court result Bruno and Kizzy were rehomed, and are now living a happy life with a new owner.
Sentencing: fined £200; deprivation order on the dogs. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expires June 2026).
CONVICTED (2020) | Michael Rodger Warren, born 20 June 1985, of Avondale Close, Grangetown, Middlesbrough TS6 9SD and with links to Guildford, Blackpool, Whitstable and Worthing – let a German Shepherd starve to death and left another with severe muscle wastage in squalid faeces-littered house
White German shepherd Bolt had already starved to death by the time RSPCA inspectors gained entry to Michael Warren’s squalid home, while his other dog Panther tragically stood guard over the corpse.
When RSPCA inspectors visited Michael Warren’s filthy home on June 27, 2020, they discovered the stricken dogs, Bolt and Panther. Very sadly, Bolt had already died from malnutrition while Panther had been starved to the point of emaciation. He weighed just 17.5kg, which is around half the weight of a healthy German Shepherd.
He had also suffered hair loss and was riddled with fleas.
When interviewed Warren was said to show “very little remorse” for what happened and “at one point he got up to make a cup of tea”.
Panther and Bolt (white), who were left to starve by Michael Warren
Warren was charged with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal but didn’t even turn up to his trial at the Magistrates’ Court.
Shocking hypocrisy: Warren lies on social media about Bolt’s cruel and preventable death
He was found guilty in his absence and also appeared on Thursday 10 July 2020 to be sentenced for breaching a suspended sentence order relating to an offence he was sentenced for in 2019.
Nicci Horton, mitigating, said her client had a diagnosis of dyslexia, had attended special needs schools in his youth and was taken into foster care at the age of six.
Ms Horton told the court that the puppies were bred by Warren’s mother, prolific backyard greeder Lucy Koca of Redcar. In June 2018 Koca had given her son two of the puppies as a birthday present but when he tried to return them, she refused to take them back.
Bolt and Panther as puppies
Ms Horton agreed her client had been “negligent” in his actions, adding that he had been mostly living at another address at the time.
Warren has six previous convictions for eight offences.
