GEORGE GALE SHOCKS CHIPPEHAM WITH BRUTAL CHICKEN ATTACK AND VIOLENT CRIMES

George Gale, a resident of Doveys Terrace, Kington Langley, near Chippenham, became the subject of a serious criminal case after he was found guilty of inflicting severe cruelty upon a pet chicken. The incident, which took place in the vicinity of Chippenham, involved Gale shooting the defenseless bird with an airgun and subsequently hitting it with a spade, actions that caused the animal immense suffering.

Gale, born around 1997, pleaded guilty to charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to a domestic fowl. His conviction followed an investigation prompted by a witness who observed the prolonged and brutal attack. The witness saw Gale repeatedly assaulting the chicken and then discarding its body over a fence, raising concerns about the animal’s condition at the time.

According to RSPCA inspector Ian Burns, the scene was particularly disturbing. He stated, “He was seen just throwing the bird’s body over the fence – though it is impossible to know whether the animal was dead or dying when this happened. What we do know is that we found the body of the chicken in a seriously awful state. It was obvious how much the poor bird had been bashed about.”

The veterinarian who examined the carcass confirmed that the airgun pellets had caused significant bruising but did not directly cause the death. The exact cause of death remains uncertain, but it is believed to be the result of the cumulative trauma from the sustained attack, which would have inflicted considerable pain and distress on the animal. Inspector Burns emphasized the cruelty of the act, describing it as “a completely mindless attack with no reason.”

Gale was sentenced to a 14-week prison term, suspended for a period of time, and was ordered to pay a total of £230 in fines and charges. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping any animals for five years, a ban that expired in 2021.

Beyond this incident, Gale’s criminal record includes a series of violent and concerning behaviors. In December 2018, he was jailed for two years after being found in possession of three knives in the center of Chippenham. The blades had been purchased from a shop, and Gale had reportedly threatened to “slash up” a traveler he was meeting. Court records reveal that Gale had previously been jailed for carrying knives in March 2013 and August 2016, and he was also placed on a community order for theft in September 2018. His criminal history includes over 22 convictions related to assault and battery.

Gale, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed weapon. His defense attorney, Guy Wyatt, argued that Gale’s limited intellectual capacity and possible autism should be taken into account. Wyatt mentioned that Gale’s family believed he had not made threats against anyone and was willing to have him live with his grandmother, who was supportive of him. Wyatt also noted that Gale had a job lined up as a laborer laying tarmac for the same traveler he was accused of threatening.

In July 2020, Gale was sentenced to four years in prison after assaulting and robbing an 87-year-old woman. The victim recounted how she was grabbed from behind, causing her to fall to the ground. She described the terrifying encounter, saying, “I saw the man stood over me. He shouted and swore. I thought he was going to rape me so I screamed and he left.” This series of violent acts underscores Gale’s troubling pattern of behavior, which continues to be a matter of concern for the local community in Chippenham and surrounding areas.