JORDAN SMITH FROM STOCKPORT SENTENCED AFTER HORRIFIC DOG ATTACK IN REDDISH VALE

Jordan Smith, a resident of Stockport, was convicted in 2024 for a brutal incident involving his dog and a series of reckless actions that led to a tragic animal attack. Smith, born around 1992 and living at Dunton Towers, Northumberland Road, Brinnington, Stockport SK5 8NR, was found responsible for allowing his abused off-lead Cane Corso crossbreed dog to attack a vulnerable elderly terrier, resulting in the dog’s death.

Prior to the attack, witnesses reported seeing Smith exhibiting aggressive behavior towards his dog, Nala, by kicking her in a forceful manner. Without a lead, Smith then took Nala downstairs and ran off towards the nearby Reddish Vale Country Park, a popular local area in Stockport. It was at this location that the dog launched a vicious assault on Harry, a 13-year-old Yorkie/Poodle crossbreed, who was being walked by his owner, Christine Robinson.

Mrs. Robinson managed to initially pull Harry away from Nala, but the situation quickly escalated as Nala jumped up and began to 'rag' Harry around as if he were a toy. Despite the efforts of Mrs. Robinson and her companion to free Harry from Nala’s grip, they were unable to do so due to the strength of the attacking dog. During the struggle, Mrs. Robinson sustained bites to her hand, and both women were pulled to the ground in the chaos.

Eventually, Nala, exhausted from the attack, released Harry. Sadly, the injuries inflicted on Harry were so severe that he succumbed to his wounds. The small dog, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle, was taken to a veterinary clinic and then transferred to a specialist veterinary hospital. Despite the owners’ expenditure of approximately £4,500 on treatment, the injuries were deemed too severe, and euthanasia was ultimately carried out to end his suffering.

Mrs. Robinson was also hospitalized for treatment of bites to her hand, while her companion sustained cuts and bruises from the attack. The police seized Nala following the incident, and Smith came forward to claim ownership of the dog. During police interviews, Smith expressed denial, stating he ‘couldn’t accept’ that his dog was responsible for the attack.

The prosecution highlighted that Smith’s remarks during the interview demonstrated he was ‘exactly the type of person who is utterly incapable of being a responsible dog owner’. In a statement read aloud in court, Mrs. Robinson expressed her grief, saying: “My little Harry didn’t stand a chance. He only weighed 7.5 kilos and suffered from arthritis. His injuries were horrific to his little head. Everyone loved him and said he was unique. He didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Smith, who has a lengthy criminal record with 42 previous offences, was described by his barrister, Graham Rishton, as having had a ‘difficult upbringing’ and spending 18 months homeless. It was also noted that he has now secured stable accommodation and has worked as a painter and decorator.

Judge Tina Landale addressed Smith directly, stating: “The trauma of that event, and the impact on Mrs. Robinson, has been completely devastating. She lives with the consequences of your offence, and will do so for the rest of her life. It is clear that she has lost a well-loved family member. The pre-sentence report indicates that you are not genuinely remorseful. In reality, there is little mitigation.”

Smith pleaded guilty to two charges: being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The court ordered the destruction of Nala and sentenced Smith to eight months in prison. Additionally, he was banned from owning a dog indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his actions and the risk he poses to animals and the community in Stockport.