DAVID NELLIST'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN PENRITH LEADS TO SUSPENDED SENTENCE

David James Nellist, born on February 17, 1977, and residing at Brunswick Square in Penrith, became the subject of a serious criminal case after he was caught on CCTV engaging in a brutal assault on his pet dog. The incident, which took place early in the morning, revealed a disturbing display of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and prompted intervention from authorities.

According to reports, Nellist, who was at the time a co-owner of a restaurant in Keswick, was heavily intoxicated when he unleashed his rage on Coco, a mixed breed Labrador/Spaniel cross. The footage showed him relentlessly pursuing the frightened dog, punching and kicking her with violent force. At one point, Nellist was seen grabbing Coco by the throat and violently throwing her against a wall, actions that caused her immense distress and pain.

The distress of the dog was so severe that a neighbour, disturbed by her screams, was awakened in the middle of the night. The neighbour described the noise as not a typical bark but a scream, which sounded like the animal was being tortured. Concerned for the dog's welfare, she left her home and followed the noise to Nellist’s restaurant around 3:30 a.m. This timely intervention was crucial in preventing further harm to Coco.

Authorities responded swiftly after the neighbour’s report. Police arrived at the scene but found no visible injuries on Coco, leading them to leave without taking further action. However, the RSPCA was called in to investigate. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, inspectors confirmed the severity of the abuse. The footage, which lacked audio but was graphic in its visual content, depicted Nellist pursuing Coco through various rooms, repeatedly punching and kicking her. The images showed him picking her up by the throat twice and throwing her across the room onto the ground.

Following the footage review, Coco was seized by police on veterinary advice and taken into RSPCA custody. Fortunately, the dog did not sustain any physical injuries during the attack, and a veterinary examination confirmed this. The vet prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to address any potential internal issues caused by the assault. Coco was subsequently rehomed to a caring family, and her new owner has reported that she has transformed into a lively, cheeky dog, now happily integrated with another dog in her new home.

During the court proceedings at Workington Magistrates Court, Nellist admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Coco. The court was informed that the incident occurred on the final day Nellist was involved with the restaurant, which he has since sold all his shares in. The court heard that Nellist was intoxicated at the time of the attack and expressed remorse for his actions. The magistrates sentenced him to two months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, Nellist was required to pay court costs amounting to £1,580 and was given a five-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in April 2020.

RSPCA inspector Martyn Fletcher commented on Coco’s recovery, stating, “I’ve seen her since, and she’s like a different dog. She’s got a fantastic owner who has another dog too, and they’ve become great friends. She’s a really cheeky girl.” The case highlighted the importance of community vigilance and swift action in preventing animal cruelty, with Nellist’s actions serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of such violent behavior towards animals.