JAMIE GRAHAM OF SOUTH SHIELDS CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN TYNE AND WEAR

Jamie Graham, born on June 14, 1997, and residing at 50 Westcott Road in South Shields, became the subject of a serious animal cruelty case that drew widespread attention in the Tyne and Wear area. The incident, which took place in October 2020, involved Graham viciously attacking a dog named Blue, a Labrador-Husky cross, in his backyard. The attack was captured on a neighbor’s mobile phone, revealing Graham striking Blue multiple times with a metal mallet, an act that horrified those who witnessed it.

According to reports, the neighbor observed Graham hitting Blue with a mallet twice and heard the dog yelping in pain. She then began recording the assault and captured footage showing Graham hitting Blue two more times. The mallet used was approximately a foot long, and the witness described the attack as unprovoked and brutal. The video evidence, which lasted around two minutes, showed Graham counting down from five before striking Blue again, indicating a disturbing pattern of abuse. The witness’s decision to record was motivated by the belief that this was not an isolated incident, as Graham had reportedly subjected Blue to abuse on multiple occasions.

Blue’s original owner was Graham’s aunt, Jaimie McKay. Due to changes in her family circumstances, McKay rehomed Blue with another nephew. However, Blue eventually came into Graham’s care, where she was subjected to repeated mistreatment. Jaimie McKay testified in court that Blue was a well-behaved dog with no aggressive tendencies or behavioral issues. When she learned about the attack, she immediately went to Westcott Road, retrieved Blue, and took her back home. The RSPCA was promptly notified of the incident.

Following the report, Blue was examined by a veterinarian who confirmed that she had been in pain during the attack. Fortunately, the injuries were not severe; there was no significant swelling or skull damage. The vet prescribed painkillers, and Blue was subsequently returned to her original owner, where she is now doing well.

The RSPCA and police made efforts to interview Graham regarding the incident. Although he initially agreed to attend a voluntary interview, he failed to show up, claiming he was unaware of the scheduled date. Despite this, the evidence against him was substantial enough for a conviction. On October 1, 2021, the magistrates at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court found Graham guilty of two charges related to animal cruelty. The court’s chairman, David Kelly, confirmed that both offences had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Following the conviction, a warrant was issued for Graham’s arrest to ensure he would face sentencing. Graham, who has links to Washington, Tyne and Wear, was staying with his mother at Westcott Road, South Shields at the time of the offences. Despite the seriousness of the case, Graham did not appear in court for sentencing. Instead, a trial proceeded in his absence, resulting in his conviction.

On December 15, 2021, Graham was sentenced to 26 weeks in jail. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of £378 and was given a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals. The case received coverage from multiple news outlets, including Chronicle Live, the Independent, and BBC News, highlighting the severity of animal cruelty and the importance of justice for Blue.