JEROME LOTHIAN AND DANIELLE O’BRIEN CRUSHED AND ABUSED PUPPY IN BOBBERS MILL, NOTTINGHAM

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Jerome Anthony Lothian, born December 1, 1992, and residing at Homewell Walk, Clifton, Nottingham NG11 8HA, was found guilty of inflicting severe injuries on a young puppy, leading to her euthanasia. The incident took place in Nottingham, specifically in the Bobbers Mill area, where the puppy, a crossbreed bulldog named Mula, suffered injuries over a period of two months that ultimately proved fatal.

According to court proceedings, Lothian, who is also known as Jay Lothian and has connections to Croydon and Sydenham in London, was responsible for the brutal abuse that left Mula with multiple fractures to her leg, pelvis, and spine. The court heard how Lothian attempted to justify the injuries by claiming that the puppy had fallen from a sofa and a step. However, veterinary experts testified that the injuries were consistent with severe blunt force trauma, contradicting his explanations.

Photographs presented in court depicted the puppy in a heartbreaking state, barely able to stand with her leg bandaged before she was euthanized by veterinary professionals to end her suffering. The court found Lothian guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, along with other animal welfare offenses. Both Lothian and his partner, Danielle O’Brien, born November 24, 1989, of Alfreton Road, Bobbers Mill, Nottingham NG7 5NU, were convicted of failing to provide adequate veterinary care and allowing Mula to endure prolonged pain.

The case was further supported by the PDSA animal charity, which contacted the RSPCA after noticing that Mula had developed various injuries over a few months without any reasonable explanation. Investigations revealed old fractures that had not been treated, as well as a new fracture in her hind leg. Mula was visibly struggling to walk on her back legs, bleeding from her nostrils, and had wounds to her mouth and tongue. Despite efforts to treat her, the veterinary team concluded that her injuries were so severe that she would remain in chronic pain, and the most humane option was to euthanize her.

However, complications arose when Danielle O’Brien refused to consent to the euthanasia. Police were called to the scene, and during the wait, RSPCA Inspector Helen Mead sat with the helpless puppy. She described how Mula, despite her condition, managed to move herself forward using her front legs to seek comfort and eventually rested her head in the inspector’s hands. The investigation uncovered a catalogue of horrific injuries inflicted upon Mula, with both Lothian and O’Brien unable to provide credible explanations for most of her injuries. Discrepancies between their stories further implicated them in her suffering.

Veterinary experts confirmed that the injuries were consistent with physical abuse, with one veterinarian stating, “A puppy of this age should not be seen with multiple fractures. Elbow fractures can occur in bulldog puppies following minimal trauma, but multiple femoral fractures and a pelvic fracture would require much greater trauma than the owner reported. I can only conclude that the fractures and injuries seen are as a result of trauma.”

Following the court proceedings, RSPCA Inspector Helen Mead expressed her distress over the case, saying, “This young dog endured repeated abuse at the hands of Lothian. I wanted nothing more than for her to recover, but sadly the extent of her injuries meant this was not possible. Being with her as she was put to sleep, I hope myself and the lovely team at the PDSA gave her some comfort in her final moments. This case of deliberate cruelty will stay with me for a very long time.”

In terms of sentencing, Jerome Lothian received a 16-week prison sentence, was ordered to pay £2,000 in costs, a £120 victim surcharge, and was banned from keeping animals for life. Danielle O’Brien was given a 12-month community order, including 20 days of rehabilitation requirements, and a deprivation order related to another dog she owns. She was also ordered to pay £2,000 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge but was not banned from owning animals. This case highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty in Nottingham and the importance of vigilant enforcement to protect vulnerable animals from such heinous acts.