DUDLEY PAYNE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN PENWORTHAM LEADS TO NEAR 3-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Penwortham, Dudley Payne, born on August 27, 1994, residing at 3 Braintree Avenue, was convicted in 2023 of inflicting unimaginable cruelty upon an innocent puppy, leading to its death. The tragic events unfolded over a four-day trial at Preston Crown Court, culminating in a sentencing hearing held on Friday, October 20.

Payne was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Rocko, an 11-week-old American bully puppy. The case drew widespread attention due to the brutal nature of the abuse and the evidence presented during the trial. Rocko was subjected to a series of severe injuries that ultimately resulted in his death, with the court hearing detailed accounts of the puppy’s suffering.

According to court proceedings, the RSPCA was alerted by a veterinarian after Rocko was brought in dead on February 2, 2022. The vet, who examined the puppy, discovered multiple injuries that could not have been accidental. The post-mortem report revealed a horrifying array of injuries, including cigarette burns, head trauma, and a prolapsed eyeball. These injuries indicated deliberate harm, with the burns found on the puppy’s groin area and injuries to his abdomen, liver, and other parts of his body. The examination also showed that Rocko had inhaled stomach contents, suggesting he was in a state of extreme distress at the time of his death.

Further evidence was presented through a statement from RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley, who explained that the vet described the post-mortem report as the worst he had ever seen. The vet also noted that Rocko appeared healthy just days before, having been seen at the vet’s office for vaccinations, where he was described as bright, alert, and responsive. This stark contrast highlighted the brutality of the injuries inflicted after that visit.

During the trial, inspector Dingley recounted that Payne had only owned Rocko for six days, having purchased him from a breeder named George Wilson. When questioned by authorities, Payne refused to comment on the case, answering all questions with “no comment.” The evidence from the vet indicated that the injuries were consistent with “intentional harm,” and the presence of cigarette burns on the puppy’s groin area was particularly telling.

In addition to the burns, the injuries included a ruptured liver, head trauma, a partial hip fracture, and abrasions that appeared to be caused by fingernail scratches. The evidence also suggested that the puppy experienced a massive adrenaline rush before dying, a sign of extreme fear and pain. The veterinarian’s findings led to charges against Payne for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, which he denied, claiming that Rocko was in poor health when he was collected and that he needed “a bit of love.”

Payne’s defense argued that the injuries might have been caused by his attempt to perform CPR on Rocko, but this claim was dismissed after the vet’s testimony clarified that the injuries were inflicted intentionally. The court also investigated the background of the puppy’s sale, confirming that George Wilson had sold Rocko to Payne, describing him as the largest and healthiest in the litter. Wilson stated that Payne had told him he left Rocko alone with his five-year-old son while he went to the shop, and he suspected the child might have caused the injuries.

Ultimately, Judge Robert Altham sentenced Payne to a custodial term of two years and nine months. In his remarks, the judge expressed profound disgust at Payne’s actions, stating, “The only conclusion I can draw is that you tortured that dog to death. He must have died in agony and terror. You have shown no remorse. I am driven to the appalling conclusion you did it because you enjoyed it.”

Following the sentencing, inspector Emma Dingley reflected on the case, saying, “I will never be able to comprehend what happened to Rocko and why such a young animal was treated in such a cruel way. This investigation will stay with me forever, but I’m pleased that we were able to get some justice for this little puppy, and I think the long custodial sentence reflects the gravity of this case.”

In addition to his prison sentence, Payne was banned from keeping animals for 15 years, a restriction that will expire in October 2038. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and action against animal cruelty in Penwortham and beyond.