DEREK ADAMSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN WREXHAM: 20-YEAR BAN AND PRISON SENTENCE FOR CALF ABUSE

Derek Adamson, a resident of Wrexham, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty charges following a series of neglectful and abusive actions that culminated in the tragic death of two calves. Born on May 27, 1981, Adamson’s criminal record includes previous convictions for theft, assault, and even making threats to kill his own mother. His latest conviction, handed down in 2022, has resulted in a substantial prison sentence and a lengthy disqualification from owning or caring for animals.

Adamson’s history of animal-related offenses dates back to 2007 when he received a ten-year ban for neglect that caused suffering to animals. Although that ban expired in 2017 without further breaches, authorities continued to monitor his activities closely. Despite the previous restrictions, concerns about his treatment of animals persisted, leading to further interventions in recent years.

In June 2020, animal welfare officers seized sheep from a property in Wrexham rented by Adamson, citing concerns over their well-being. The situation escalated in March 2021 when Adamson purchased six calves from a livestock market. The calves, only three weeks old and costing just £4 each, were kept in poor conditions on his land. During an inspection, officers observed a livestock trailer in a field where the six calves were confined without access to water or feed. Despite their apparent alertness, the officers noted the dire state of their environment.

Following instructions from the council, Adamson was advised to provide adequate water and food, and to clear hazardous debris from the site. However, a subsequent visit ten days later, accompanied by a veterinarian, revealed that the situation had worsened. The debris remained, and one calf had already died. Two others were found in critical condition—one lying almost lifeless in the muddy trailer, and another trapped between the trailer and a hedge. Both were unable to stand and were deemed beyond saving, leading to their euthanasia. The remaining three calves, though alive, were underweight and visibly hungry, and were taken into custody by animal welfare authorities.

The court heard that the neglect and ill-treatment of these young animals, which resulted in the death of two calves, was a serious offense. The judge emphasized that the cruelty was committed within a commercial context, making the case particularly grave. As a result, Adamson was sentenced to two consecutive prison terms of 24 weeks each for causing unnecessary suffering, totaling 48 weeks behind bars. Additionally, he received a 10-week concurrent sentence for each of the other charges, along with costs amounting to £2,334 and a victim surcharge of £128. Most notably, he was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of 20 years.

Following his sentencing, Adamson appealed the length of his disqualification order. On May 13, 2022, the appeal was rejected, reaffirming the 20-year ban. His legal representative, Andrew Green, argued that Adamson’s long and troubled record warranted some leniency, noting that he is a man who has spent his life working outdoors and that the ban would effectively end his ability to care for animals until he is 60. Green described Adamson as a “very unsophisticated man” who would return to outdoor labor after his release, emphasizing that the ban was excessively harsh.

Judge Niclas Parry responded by highlighting Adamson’s repeated failures to care for animals properly. The judge pointed out that Adamson lacked the basic knowledge necessary for animal husbandry, such as providing water, food, and safe, debris-free environments. The judge also noted that despite previous advice and intervention, conditions had not improved, and this was the second time Adamson had been prosecuted for similar offenses. The judge explicitly stated that the 20-year disqualification would stand, underscoring the seriousness of the case. However, the court did allow Adamson’s appeal regarding the costs, recognizing his lack of income and current imprisonment, and thus reducing the financial burden he was ordered to pay.

Overall, this case underscores the ongoing issues of animal neglect and cruelty in Wrexham, with authorities determined to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Adamson’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper animal care and the legal consequences of neglecting these responsibilities.