GARETH LLEWELLYN'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN BOLTON LEAVES DOG AND OWNER INJURED

Gareth Llewellyn, a career criminal with a long history of offenses, was involved in a violent incident in Bolton that resulted in serious injuries to both a dog and its owner. Born on March 20, 1982, Llewellyn has accumulated a total of 26 previous convictions, including crimes related to robbery and drug trafficking. Despite his criminal record, he was not fixed to any particular residence but maintained strong connections to the Great Lever area of Bolton.

On Boxing Day 2023, Llewellyn encountered a man out walking his dog in Bolton. An argument quickly escalated between the two, primarily over a debt. The dog owner had asked Llewellyn to repay a £10 loan he had given him, which seemed to ignite the confrontation. In response, Llewellyn left the scene momentarily, only to return armed with a large kitchen knife he had taken from a nearby house.

Upon returning, Llewellyn launched a violent attack. He stabbed the dog in the neck, causing severe injury, and also assaulted the dog owner, stabbing him in the chest. The attack was brutal and sudden, leaving both victims in distress. It remains unreported whether the dog survived the attack, but the injuries inflicted were undoubtedly serious.

At the time of the assault, Llewellyn was already serving an 18-month community order. Additionally, he was three months into a 12-week prison sentence that had been suspended for a year, indicating ongoing issues with the justice system. His arrest followed shortly after the incident, and he subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful wounding, possession of a knife in a public place, and causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

The court proceedings resulted in Llewellyn being sentenced to a total of 28 months in prison. Furthermore, a 10-year restraining order was imposed to prevent any future contact with the victims or further incidents of violence. This case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with extensive criminal histories and the importance of swift legal action to protect the community in Bolton.