CORRINE CLARKSON AND DELROY ELLIOTT SHOCK SHEFFIELD WITH CRUELTY TO ELDERLY GREAT DANE SKY

In a disturbing case of animal neglect that has shocked the community in Sheffield, Corrine Angela Clarkson, born on 26 September 1982, of 211 Fox Street, Burngreave, and Delroy Elliott, born on 17 December 1981, of Verdon Street, Burngreave, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving their elderly Great Dane named Sky.

For months, Sky endured unimaginable suffering and neglect, which ultimately led to her being rescued in a critically malnourished state. The RSPCA became involved after a local dog warden, who had picked Sky up after she was found wandering the streets, expressed grave concern about her condition. The dog was in such a poor state that her ribs, hips, and spine were clearly visible, indicating extreme emaciation. Her front right leg was swollen, her tail was damaged at the tip, and her coat was described as dirty and foul-smelling.

Inspector Leanne Booth of the RSPCA, who responded to the case, provided a detailed account of Sky’s condition. She noted that the dog was unresponsive when she arrived, and upon gentle stroking, Sky briefly lifted her head before collapsing back into a state of apparent exhaustion. The inspector attempted to communicate with Elliott by phone to discuss Sky’s condition. During the call, Elliott was heard asking, “What about her?” after being informed that Sky was in RSPCA care. A female voice, presumed to be Clarkson, responded, “yes this morning – well I heard her.”

Further conversations revealed Clarkson had last seen Sky at 3 pm the previous day when she went to feed her, but Sky refused to eat. Clarkson described Sky as a “community dog” that often “takes herself to the park,” and was familiar to neighbors. Despite these claims, Inspector Booth confirmed that neither Clarkson nor Elliott was aware that Sky was not in her kennel at the time of the rescue.

Sky was taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent assessment. The veterinarian’s examination revealed a distressing picture: Sky was unable to stay in one position for more than a few seconds, her back arched in discomfort, and she was unsteady on her feet, wobbling and falling over as she tried to walk. She was also leaking sloppy feces and appeared unaware of her own condition. The veterinarian’s conclusion was grim: Sky was suffering and needed to be euthanized to prevent further pain.

In court, the veterinarian’s statement confirmed that Sky had been suffering for weeks, possibly months, due to malnutrition, inadequate feeding, or an inappropriate diet. The owners’ failure to seek veterinary care and their neglect had allowed her condition to deteriorate to this tragic extent.

Despite the severity of their neglect, Clarkson and Elliott received a relatively lenient sentence. They were handed a five-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in August 2029. During their sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court, the District Judge emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “Sky was in severe pain. Sky was deteriorating and you did not do anything to help or did not do anything about it. The photos show the condition of Sky and her truly dreadful state.”

In mitigation, the defense acknowledged that Clarkson and Elliott “could have done more” to help Sky, but the court’s decision also included an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and each was ordered to pay £200 in costs. The case has left a lasting impression on the Sheffield community, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect.