JOHN FLEMING FROM EGLINTON SENTENCED AFTER BRUTAL DOG ATTACKS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

In a case that has shocked the local community, John Fleming, a former police officer from Eglinton, has been convicted and sentenced following a series of disturbing incidents involving the abuse of his dogs. The incident, which took place on Craigbrack Road in Eglinton, was captured in graphic footage and detailed in court proceedings held in April 2022.

Fleming, who was dismissed from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) due to his actions, faced charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to his two dogs, a German Shepherd Akita cross named Ko and a Staffordshire crossbreed named Alfie. The court heard how Fleming’s brutal treatment of these animals was partially recorded on a dashcam by a witness who observed the events unfold.

According to prosecutors, the witness saw Fleming with his dogs on January 30, 2021, on Craigbrack Road. The witness described how Fleming’s Alsatian-cross, Ko, had grabbed a Springer Spaniel by the back and was shaking it violently. In response, Fleming was seen kicking Ko repeatedly until the dog released its grip, after which the dog appeared to cower before him. The witness then saw Fleming bend down, pick up Ko by the head, and slam the dog forcefully onto the ground, an act that was captured on the dashcam footage played in court.

The footage revealed Fleming continuing to kick Ko multiple times, with at least three of his full-force kicks connecting with the animal. The injured dog then managed to get up and run back onto the road. Fleming, dressed in a yellow high-visibility jacket, was seen swinging several powerful kicks at Ko, further illustrating the severity of the attack.

In addition to the assault on Ko, the footage showed Fleming approaching Alfie, the Staffordshire Terrier, and attempting to prevent his husband, Daniel Fleming-Cairo, from comforting the dog. Fleming then proceeded to lift Alfie by the scruff of his neck and hindquarters, raising him above his head before forcefully slamming him onto the tarmac. The video captured Fleming repeating this action, lifting Alfie nearly to head height and then slamming him down again. The recording was cut off when a vehicle drove in front of the camera, obscuring the view of Fleming and his husband.

Although the recording lacked audio, the witness testified that he honked his horn and shouted at Fleming to stop beating the dogs. Fleming’s reaction was reportedly aggressive, as he turned around and began shouting and posturing in a confrontational manner. An exchange of words ensued, with Fleming attempting to open the vehicle door, indicating a tense and volatile situation.

Following the incident, Fleming’s dogs—Ko, Alfie, and another dog—were seized by animal welfare officers. When questioned about his actions, Fleming initially claimed that his behavior was “proportional,” expressing remorse for hitting his dogs but asserting that he believed his actions were justified under the circumstances. He stated, “Obviously I am remorseful that I had to hit my dogs… [but] I wouldn’t have acted if I didn’t think that they weren’t correct… Do I regret acting? No… It’s the circumstances I regret that it even happened.”

During the court proceedings, Fleming’s attitude was notably dismissive; he reportedly laughed throughout parts of his interview and accused the witness of a public disorder offense. The judge considered the case carefully, ultimately deciding that Fleming’s actions warranted a community-based penalty rather than immediate imprisonment. As part of his sentence, Fleming was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, banned from owning any animals for ten years, and ordered to pay £2,000 towards court costs, which totaled £12,000.

This case has sparked widespread concern about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in the Eglinton area and beyond, highlighting the importance of strict enforcement of animal cruelty laws and the need for accountability in cases of abuse.