AIDEN SHERWOOD AND SASHA JACKSON FROM GREAT YARMOUTH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPY IN GORLESTON

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, siblings Aiden Sherwood and Sasha Jackson, both residents of the Great Yarmouth area, faced justice after a tragic incident involving the neglect and starvation of a young puppy named Biggie. The heartbreaking events unfolded at a property located on Dock Tavern Lane in Gorleston, where authorities uncovered the severely malnourished animal.

On November 28, 2023, police officers, acting on a warrant, forcibly entered the residence and discovered the lifeless body of Biggie, a nine-month-old Cane Corso puppy. The scene was described as appalling by RSPCA inspector Ben Kirby, who was called to the scene to assess the situation. Inspector Kirby recounted that the interior of the home was littered with small dog excrement scattered across the floors, amidst piles of rubbish, children's toys, and personal belongings, creating a scene of neglect and disorder.

The inspector observed the puppy lying on the floor, positioned between a sofa and a table. The animal appeared to have succumbed peacefully, lying on its front with its head resting on the ground between its paws. However, the condition of the puppy was shocking; it was described as one of the thinnest dogs the inspector had ever seen. The veterinary report confirmed that Biggie had been subjected to prolonged starvation, experiencing significant fear and distress as he slowly died from lack of nourishment.

Further investigation revealed that there were no accessible food or water sources within the home. The only evidence of previous care was found in the form of empty bowls and torn packaging, indicating that the puppy had been left to fend for itself for an extended period. The report emphasized the cruelty of the situation, noting that Biggie had been confined alone in the house, suffering from the pangs of hunger and thirst while enduring a slow and painful death.

Following the investigation, both Aiden Sherwood and Sasha Jackson faced legal proceedings. They were sentenced to serve time in prison, with Sherwood receiving a 20-week sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. Jackson was sentenced to 15 weeks in prison, also suspended for a year, and was required to undergo mental health treatment. Additionally, both individuals were ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 each and were disqualified from owning or caring for any animals indefinitely, reflecting the severity of their neglect and cruelty.