CONVICTED (2012) | badger baiters Thomas Marvell, born c. 1987, of 41 Vicars Walk, Worksop S80 2HJ and Mell Gibson, born c. 1991, of 48 Shrewsbury Road, Worksop S80 2TU
Career criminals Thomas Marvell and Mell Gibson were prosecuted by the RSPCA following the charity’s ongoing investigation into crimes against badgers.
Warrants were carried out in March 2012 at addresses linked to Marvell. A brown terrier called Milo and various pieces of suspected hunting paraphernalia were seized from his home.
Three dogs were discovered at Mell Gibson’s home, including one called Smudge who had an untreated septic hole in the side of his face.
The pair were prosecuted by the RSPCA following the its ongoing investigations into crimes against badgers.
Chief superintendent Barry Fryer, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Our investigations into organised animal crime and deliberate animal cruelty are always ongoing. Every day our inspectors are following up more leads.”
“Both Marvell and Gibson are prime examples of what fate is likely to fall on those who think they can get away with turning a blind eye to the law and inflicting terrible suffering on both wildlife and domestic animals.”
“Our officers are constantly digging further into the cruel and murky world of animal crime. Anyone who thinks they are getting away with it might soon find themselves getting a knock on the door from the RSPCA.”
Inspector Steve Cartwright said these prosecutions should send out a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.
“We are very lucky in Worksop to live in a rural district boasting some beautiful natural attractions. These locations are home to an array of flora and fauna and they should be treated with respect and consideration,” he said.
“While wildlife and pets may not be able to speak of the pain they suffer at the hands of people, stringent mechanisms are in place to try to protect them. We work very closely with our partner agencies, such as the RSPCA, to bring individuals like Thomas Marvell and Mel Gibson to justice, and in turn send out a clear message that such cruel behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Sentencing:
Marvell – 10 weeks in custody for killing a badger, and six weeks for possession, to run consecutively. He was also banned from keeping dogs for 10 years (expired September 2022).
Gibson – 12-month conditional discharge; £150 costs. Banned from keeping dogs for five years (expired 2017).
Additional Information and Updates
In April 2015 Thomas Marvell was jailed for 16 years for armed robbery.
In October 2012 Mell Gibson, whose other convictions include motoring offences, was sentenced to 42 months in prison after being caught in possession of a large quantity crack cocaine.