CORALLENA LOVERIDGE'S CRIME IN BLACKBURN: PET THEFT AND DRUG DEALING SHOCK COMMUNITY

Corallena Loveridge, a resident of Fowler Height Close in Blackburn, was convicted in 2023 for a disturbing incident involving the theft of a family’s beloved pet dog during a home invasion. The case sheds light on her troubled criminal history and the serious consequences of her actions.

Born around 1990, Loveridge’s criminal record is extensive, including convictions for shoplifting, drink-driving, and outraging public decency. Her latest offense involved the brazen theft of a French bulldog named Georgia, which she sold for drugs money, highlighting her ongoing struggles with substance abuse and criminal behavior.

At the time of the incident, Loveridge was a traveller and appeared at Preston Crown Court via video link from HMP Styal, where she had been held on remand for the previous four months due to a bail act offence. Her appearance in court was part of the ongoing legal proceedings related to her latest conviction.

The crime took place on May 9, 2021, when Loveridge unlawfully entered a property on Moorland Avenue in Blackburn. The homeowner, Julie Lightbrown, was present in the house along with her children. During the intrusion, Loveridge went upstairs where Ms Lightbrown was located, engaged in an altercation with her, and then proceeded to steal the family’s dog, Georgia. After taking the dog, Loveridge left the scene and sold Georgia for drugs, further demonstrating her disregard for the well-being of the pet and the distress caused to the family.

The court heard that the owner, Julie Lightbrown, was at home with her children when Loveridge entered. Emma Kehoe, the prosecutor, stated, “She put the dog in a taxi and left the property.”

In December following the theft, Loveridge contacted Ms Lightbrown, claiming that Georgia had had puppies and was somewhere in Leeds. She expressed an intention to retrieve the dog, but this never materialized, leaving the family uncertain about Georgia’s whereabouts.

A victim personal statement was read aloud in court, revealing the emotional toll of the theft. It described Georgia as a two-and-a-half-year-old family pet bought for £2,500 for the children. The statement emphasized that the value was secondary to the emotional bond, and the family was devastated by her disappearance. The statement read, “Georgia was our family pet. She was two and a half years old and was in season. I bought her for my children and she cost £2,500. It’s not about the value, however, it appears she was taken to be sold. The stress this has caused my children is huge and we are still suffering now, concerned about her welfare. Corallena Loveridge entered my house and took her and advised me that she would get her back but it’s not happened.”

Judge Simon Medland addressed the court, expressing concern over the seriousness of the offense. He stated, “The dog was taken to be turned into money and then turned into drugs – who knows what has happened to her now. There’s a considerable seriousness to this and it crosses custody threshold but it took the CPS and police a year to charge her. You, Corallena Loveridge, must understand this behavior is serious and has had a big impact. They do not know what has become of their dog, they don’t know whether she’s happy and healthy, dead, in trouble, or being used for breeding. This is not an offense you would have committed if you had been sober. You were intoxicated and a drug addict at the time.”

It was revealed that Loveridge has a lengthy criminal history, with 15 convictions for a total of 28 offenses. Her sentencing included a 14-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 18 months, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activities and six months of drug rehabilitation. The case underscores the ongoing issues related to drug addiction and criminal behavior in Blackburn, and the profound impact such crimes have on victims and their families.