CHRISTY HEWITT AND CHANTELL DUVALL-GREGORY FROM GARSTON ABUSE AND MURDER BELGIAN SHEPHERD SNOOP

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Garston, Liverpool, two individuals, Christy Hewitt and Chantell Duvall-Gregory, have been found guilty of heinous animal cruelty and neglect involving a young Belgian Shepherd named Snoop. The tragic events unfolded over a period of several months, culminating in the dog's death and the subsequent discovery of his battered body.

Hewitt, born around 2001, and Duvall-Gregory, born on January 24, 2002, both previously residing on Windfield Road in Garston, faced multiple charges related to the abuse and neglect of Snoop. The court heard that the pair subjected the dog to relentless physical violence, including punching, kicking, stamping, and blunt force trauma, over the course of their residence at their former home in Windfield Road. The abuse was so severe that Snoop sustained extensive bruising, fractured ribs, and broken canine teeth, injuries that were clearly non-accidental and indicative of prolonged mistreatment.

On January 11, 2022, a dog walker discovered Snoop's lifeless body inside a bright pink, locked suitcase near the banks of the River Mersey, close to the Speke and Garston Nature Reserve. The suitcase bore the name 'Chantell,' which was written on it, and contained the deceased dog. The court established that the injuries inflicted on Snoop included fractures to his ribs, which had begun to heal, suggesting the abuse had been ongoing for several weeks. Prosecutor Peter Mitchell emphasized the severity of the injuries, noting that breaking ribs requires significant force, and that both Hewitt and Duvall-Gregory minimized their roles in causing the injuries.

Further evidence revealed that Snoop was not fed proper dog food but was instead given leftovers, and that he was often subjected to physical punishment, including being slapped and kicked. Witness testimonies included a young girl who saw Duvall-Gregory hit Snoop so hard with a wooden spoon that it broke. Duvall-Gregory admitted to kicking the dog on the bottom and giving him slaps on the nose, though she downplayed the severity of her actions. Hewitt also claimed to have given the dog a slap if he was urinating or defecating inside, but insisted it was not hard.

The cause of Snoop's death was determined to be hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, which resulted after he ate a granola bar containing raisins, provided by Duvall-Gregory. On the day he died, the dog was observed to have lost control of his bowels, with black tar-like substances coming from his bottom. Despite efforts to seek veterinary assistance, the couple claimed that no vets were available due to the Christmas period. Duvall-Gregory stated that Snoop had already passed away before being placed in the suitcase and insisted they were not attempting to conceal anything.

Legal proceedings resulted in Duvall-Gregory receiving a 22-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a £128 victim surcharge and £450 in prosecution costs. She was also disqualified from owning any animals for ten years, a restriction she cannot appeal for five years. Hewitt was sentenced to immediate imprisonment for 22 weeks. Both individuals were ordered to serve a ten-year ban on owning animals.

In a related update from May 2024, Christy Hewitt was sentenced to 30 months in prison after admitting to charges of intentional strangulation, assault by beating, criminal damage, and a public order offence. He was also issued a ten-year restraining order. The court detailed that Hewitt and Duvall-Gregory had been in a relationship for approximately four years, marred by violence and alcohol abuse. On January 4, 2024, Hewitt, after a night of drinking, became enraged and caused destruction at their flat, ripping a door from its hinges. The following violent incident involved Hewitt physically assaulting Duvall-Gregory, including punching, kicking, grabbing her by the throat, and stamping on her head multiple times. She managed to escape and seek help after intervention from a neighbor.

Hewitt's violent behavior continued, including an incident on March 13, 2024, where he slapped Duvall-Gregory after she refused his sexual advances, then physically assaulted her again, including slapping her twice with force and strangling her to the point of difficulty breathing. The victim suffered bruising to her neck, lip, leg, and arm, and reported the incident to authorities. Hewitt, who has a history of previous convictions, including affray, assault, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, was also noted to have made homophobic comments during police interviews. Despite being released on bail with conditions not to contact Duvall-Gregory, he and his father continued to reside at her address, escalating the risk of further violence.

This case highlights the disturbing pattern of violence and neglect associated with Hewitt and Duvall-Gregory, drawing significant concern from the local community and animal welfare organizations alike. The court's sentences reflect the seriousness of their actions, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of vulnerable animals and individuals alike.