BARRY ROCK AND LEANNE PRIEST: HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN DUDLEY AND BRIERLEY HILL

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the Dudley community, Barry Rock, born on April 27, 1973, and his then-wife Leanne Priest, born on September 18, 1978, have been found guilty of causing severe suffering to a defenseless dog. At the time of the abuse, Barry Rock was residing on Osprey Drive in Dudley, with the address listed as DY1 2JS, while Leanne Priest, now known as Leanne Rock, was living on Cressett Avenue in Brierley Hill, with the postcode DY5 3XY, as of September 2020.

Between May 2 and May 20, 2008, the couple admitted to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to their pet, a terrier-cross named Britney, and also to neglecting her basic needs. The dog was found to have sustained multiple injuries, including fractured ribs, broken hips, a shattered leg, and burns covering her body. Additionally, Britney had suffered severe trauma to her face, resulting in smashed teeth and blindness in one eye. When examined by veterinary professionals at a PDSA clinic, Britney was reported to have difficulty standing, prompting further investigation.

Veterinary X-rays revealed a disturbing pattern of injuries that had developed over an extended period, indicating ongoing abuse rather than accidental harm. The scans uncovered at least seven fractured teeth, swelling around her temple, and a deformed ear, all signs of prolonged mistreatment. One of Britney’s eyes was so badly bruised that it had turned a deep blue, and she had lost all sight in that eye. The vet involved in her care promptly alerted the police to the severity of her condition.

During police interviews, Barry Rock attempted to justify Britney’s injuries by suggesting that she might have caused some of her own damage, claiming that “she was always getting stuck behind things.” However, prosecutor Mr. Nick Sutton dismissed this explanation as “inadequate,” emphasizing the cruelty inflicted upon the helpless animal.

In defense, Mr. Richard Burch explained that the couple was under significant stress, as they had four children aged between 10 months and eight years, one of whom suffered from autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Mr. Burch argued that the couple “could not cope” with caring for their children and their pet, implying that this was a factor in the abuse. Despite the circumstances, the court made it clear that such treatment of an animal was unacceptable.

Following the investigation, Britney was removed from her abusive owners and has since been rehomed in Cradley Heath. Her new owners have named her Millie, and she is currently recovering and gradually regaining her health.

In sentencing, the court handed down a 12-week prison sentence to Barry Rock, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, both Rock and Priest received a lifetime ban on owning or caring for any animals, a measure aimed at preventing further cruelty. This case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for vigilance against abuse in communities like Dudley and Brierley Hill.