CONVICTED (2021) | David Aird, born 8 December 1991, from Tranent (address tbc) – battered a tiny dog causing a fatal brain injury Archie (pictured) died after being battered by his evil owner, David Aird – a care home worker. Care home worker David Aird admitted striking chihuahua/Jack Russell cross Archie with his hand which led to the canine suffering a fatal haemorrhage. Aird pleaded guilty to causing a protected animal unnecessary suffering. The court heard Aird struck the dog with his hand causing a “severe and extensive haemorrhage in the cranial vault” resulting in significant brain compression. The incident happened at his home in Tranent, East Lothian, on February 3. 2021. .Fiscal depute Deborah King said a postmortem was later conducted. Ms King said it found Archie had suffered “brunt force trauma to the top of the skull” from what appeared to be a single blow. The postmortem said such an injury can be “rapidly fatal”. Ms King said the examination concluded the injury could’ve been caused by an object such as a stick or hammer, or potentially a punch or kick, as could falling from a height onto a hard surface. The prosecutor said the “force to fracture the skull might have rendered the dog unconscious” and that might’ve been immediate, but this wasn’t certain. She said Archie could’ve been in pain until unconsciousness developed. The court was told Aird was charged after the postmortem findings were returned. Aird, who represented himself in court, said he was a care home worker. Asked by Sheriff Peter McCormack if he had anything to say about the possibility of being banned from keeping a pet, Aird replied: “No.” Sentencing: fined £420. Banned from owning or keeping a pet for 20 years. EdinburghLive Daily Record Update June 2022 It was reported that the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) had issued Aird with a six-month suspension order following his conviction for animal cruelty. The SSSC said: “Social service workers must not behave, while in or outside work, in a way which would bring their suitability to work in social services into question. “You struck your pet dog on the head with your hand, resulting in your dog’s death. “You have failed to uphold the law and your behaviour demonstrates a loss of self-control and disregard for the safety of the animal in your care. “Committing such a crime of violence raises concerns over your values as it is attitudinal in nature, which can make such behaviour harder to remediate. “Behaviour of this manner is contrary to the values expected of registered social service workers. “Your behaviour is likely to have negatively impact the public’s trust and confidence in the profession. “The public has the right to expect that social care workers, in whom it places its trust and confidence, will uphold the law and will not engage in offending behaviour. “Your behaviour was fundamentally incompatible with the conduct expected of a social care worker.” On making their decision, they said: “We decided the appropriate sanction is to place a suspension order on your registration for a period of six months. “This was an isolated incident for which you have expressed significant regret and remorse. “No findings have previously been made against you by the SSSC. “No findings of previous violent or offending behaviour or subsequent violent or offending behaviour. “There is no evidence you have acted violently towards any person you have encountered in your social services employment. “You have shown insight and reflected on your behaviour.” Edinburgh Live Additional Information Aird describes himself as an “ex singer-songwriter”. He continues to perform at open mic venues as well as virtually on social media. He regularly shares performances to his Facebook page, which he’s named Nakee-Dave Music.