FRASER PAUL GRANT'S BRUTAL KILLING OF JACK RUSSELL PATCH IN SWAINSWICK SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Fraser Paul Grant, a resident of Pitlands Farm on Gloucester Road in Swainswick, Bath, became the focus of a tragic and disturbing case after he was convicted of the violent killing of a beloved pet dog named Patch. The incident, which took place in Swainswick, has left the local community and the dog’s owner, Beth Davies, devastated and deeply affected.

Grant, born on June 3, 1989, and known for his role as a company director managing Bath Recovery Limited—a vehicle towing business—was found guilty of a heinous act that shocked many. The incident occurred after a heated argument between Grant and his girlfriend, during which Grant launched a brutal attack on her pet Jack Russell terrier, Patch. The attack was carried out while Grant was wearing steel toe-capped boots, and it resulted in the dog suffering fatal injuries.

Surveillance footage from the scene captured the horrifying moment when Grant kicked Patch multiple times, sending the small dog several feet into the air. The footage clearly showed the dog landing with a force that ruptured his liver, leading to his death shortly afterward. The images and evidence presented in court painted a grim picture of the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal.

Initially, Grant denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he acted in self-defense against the dog, which he described as a friendly but frightened animal. He argued that Patch was spinning around and attacking his ankles and legs, prompting him to fend off the dog with his boots. Grant also claimed that he had picked up Patch but was bitten in the face during the altercation. However, the CCTV footage contradicted his account, showing the dog on the ground in front of Grant when the violent assault began.

Even Grant’s own legal counsel acknowledged that “nothing that the dog did when on the ground justifies what was done to him,” emphasizing the brutality of the attack. The court heard that Patch was generally a happy and friendly dog, but he was visibly scared of Grant, which may have contributed to his distress during the incident.

A post-mortem examination confirmed that Patch’s liver was ruptured, and it was concluded that the dog likely died from blood loss caused by the blunt trauma inflicted during the kicks and the impact of landing. The report stated that Patch would have experienced significant pain, injury, and distress as a result of the injuries sustained.

In a heartfelt personal statement, Beth Davies, the owner of Patch, described the profound impact of her pet’s death. She revealed that she had owned Patch since he was a puppy and that the trauma of the incident and subsequent trial had severely affected her mental and physical health. Beth disclosed that she had been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety, and the ongoing stress had worsened her condition. She also shared that she had moved away from her family and friends because living near Grant and his family was a constant source of distress.

Adding to the emotional toll, Beth recounted her experiences of verbal abuse and social media taunts from Grant’s friends and family. She expressed her pain over some individuals dismissing Patch’s death as “just a dog,” and she criticized the callous attitude of those who treated the act as a joke. Beth emphasized that such responses only intensified her suffering.

She also criticized Grant’s legal defense, stating that his late guilty plea unnecessarily prolonged the trial and misrepresented Patch as an aggressive dog. Beth described the delay in returning Patch’s ashes as a “huge waste of everyone’s time” and expressed her gratitude to the RSPCA for their support throughout the ordeal.

In sentencing, Fraser Paul Grant received an 18-month suspended jail sentence, along with 100 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay costs of £2,700 and £300 in compensation to Beth Davies. Notably, no ban was imposed on Grant, and he was permitted to keep his own dog, Storm, despite the severity of his actions.

This case has left a lasting scar on the community of Swainswick and serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can be inflicted upon innocent animals. The tragic death of Patch has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for greater awareness and stricter penalties for animal cruelty in the area.