JAMES GODDARD FROM FAREHAM SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND DANGEROUS DRIVING INCIDENTS

Gypsy traveller James Eli Lloyd Goddard, born on 6 June 1991 and residing in Mayles Close, Fareham PO17 5NF, has been sentenced for heinous acts of animal cruelty and dangerous driving. In a shocking incident, Goddard was recorded beating a defenceless cockerel to death with a metal skewer while others filmed the attack.

In the footage, Goddard chases the bird around a fenced area wielding a 3ft-long metal skewer, swiping at it as it tries to flee. He then catches the cockerel, holding it upside down by its feet, and repeatedly beats its head with the skewer, likening the attack to beating a piñata. As the animal dies, Goddard celebrates his brutality with arms raised in victory.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Will Mitchell described the footage: “Mr Goddard chases the bird around taking swipes with the 3ft-long metal skewer like a baseball bat. He then grabs hold of the cockerel, holds him upside down by his feet and, while the bird frantically flaps around and tries to escape, he beats his head with the pole. He swings at the poor bird again and again, hitting him in the head like a piñata. He then throws the bird’s body onto the ground and celebrates the vicious kill. It’s absolutely shocking to watch. His violent behaviour and the savage cruelty he shows towards this bird is difficult to comprehend.”

Hampshire Constabulary’s Sergeant Andy Williams from the Country Watch team expressed satisfaction at the outcome: “We are pleased that Goddard has finally been punished for what was a shocking and cowardly act against the animal. We work closely with the RSPCA on various rural and animal welfare issues. Offences such as this have no place in modern society. When information is received about such offences, the Country Watch team is only too pleased to assist in investigating them and bringing offenders to justice.”

Goddard received an 18-week custodial sentence, along with a total of £865 in costs and charges. He was also banned from keeping any animals for five years, although this ban expired in March 2024.

In addition to his animal cruelty conviction, Goddard was jailed for nearly three years for causing serious injury to two women during a pedestrian crossing incident in October 2019. After the collision, Goddard left the scene of the accident, but the Ford Focus he was driving was found several hours later. He was sentenced to two years for each count of causing serious injury, disqualified from driving for three years, and required to pass an extended retest.

Furthermore, during his time on bail, Goddard committed another dangerous driving offence, resulting in an additional 10-month prison sentence and a concurrent one-year driving ban, bringing his total imprisonment to 2 years and 10 months.