DARLINGTON MAN JOSEPH POCKLINGTON ABUSES PET DOG IN SHOCKING INCIDENT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Darlington, Joseph Pocklington, a resident of Marshall Street, was caught on camera abusing his pet dog in broad daylight. The incident unfolded on Crown Street, where a vigilant woman witnessed Pocklington losing his temper and violently attacking his dog.

According to reports, the woman was waiting to pick up her daughter around 4:20 pm on Sunday, December 22. She observed Pocklington sitting on some steps with a black lurcher or greyhound-type dog on a short lead. The woman then took out her phone and recorded the distressing scene, which showed Pocklington grabbing the dog by the neck, dragging it towards him, and repeatedly punching the animal in the face.

Concerned by the apparent abuse, the woman and her daughter confronted Pocklington and managed to take the dog away from him. The suspect appeared upset by this intervention and quickly left the scene. The witness promptly contacted the police, who responded swiftly to the incident.

Police officers later located Pocklington sleeping in a nearby churchyard. When questioned, he admitted to police that he had indeed given his dog a few slaps. However, upon viewing the footage of the incident, Pocklington became visibly upset and claimed he could not remember assaulting the dog. He explained that his anger was triggered because the dog was trying to run into traffic, which he said made him lose control.

Prosecutor Alan Davies outlined the case, stating, “At around 4.20 pm on Sunday, December 22, a witness was waiting to pick up her daughter on Crown Street in Darlington. She noticed the defendant sitting on some steps with a black lurcher or greyhound-type dog on a short lead. She recorded him grabbing the dog by the neck, dragging it towards him, and punching it to the face multiple times. The witness and her daughter challenged him and took the dog, after which he became upset and left. The police found him sleeping in a churchyard shortly afterward.”

Joseph Pocklington, who has since passed away, pleaded guilty to a charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. His defense, led by Stephen Andrews, emphasized that Pocklington’s behavior was out of character and that he was deeply distressed after viewing the footage. Andrews stated, “He has kept dogs for many years without issues and considers himself a dog lover. His alcohol dependency has contributed to his recent behavior, and he has no clear recollection of the incident, only that his feet became tangled with the dog’s lead, which made him angry.”

Further details revealed that police found Pocklington intoxicated and sleeping in a public area shortly after the incident. He expressed remorse for his actions, which he described as uncharacteristic. The court heard that Pocklington was banned from keeping animals for two years, a restriction that expired in August 2022.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order, along with costs and charges totaling £180. The case has sparked outrage among local residents, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting animals from abuse.