JOSHUA NORMAN'S BRUTAL ATTACK ON PEMBEROKE LABRADOR SHOCKS COMMUNITY
| Red Rose Database
Pembroke Sexual Abuser
In April 2022, a disturbing case emerged from Pembroke involving Joshua Norman, a man with a military background, who carried out a heinous act of cruelty against his pet dog, Simba. The incident was described by a judge as a “gratuitous and cowardly attack” on a defenseless animal, highlighting the severity and brutality of the assault.
According to court reports, Norman, a former soldier, inflicted multiple injuries on Simba, a Labrador, in his Pembroke flat. The attack involved stabbing the dog in the neck with a large kitchen knife and then repeatedly beating it with a heavy object, likely a hammer. The dog was discovered in a state of extreme distress, cowering and whimpering in the bathroom, bleeding heavily from multiple wounds.
Veterinary examinations revealed the extent of Simba’s injuries. The dog had suffered from extensive bruising and swelling above the right eye, with some areas of skin so severely hit that blood supply was cut off. A particularly severe puncture wound, measuring approximately 10 centimeters, was found in the shoulder and neck area, indicating a suspected stabbing. The injuries were so severe that Simba required sedation for treatment, and he was subsequently taken into the care of an animal charity to recover.
The court heard that on March 5 of that year, Norman was in contact with an ex-partner via phone, during which he expressed suicidal intentions. Concerned for his well-being, the woman, identified as Sian Cutter, went to Norman’s Pembroke Dock flat. Upon arrival, she found the apartment in a state of chaos, with clothes and objects strewn across the floor, windows smashed, curtains pulled down, and blood smears on the walls. The flat was also filthy, with dog feces and urine patches visible.
Inside, she discovered Simba lying in the bathroom, covered in blood and in a distressed condition. The dog had an open wound on the shoulder and neck, and was visibly suffering. She immediately contacted the police, who responded swiftly, arresting Norman at the scene. During the search of the flat, officers found a bloodstained knife with a 13-centimeter blade, a hammer, and a small amount of cannabis. The knife was covered in blood and black hair, indicating recent use.
In a subsequent interview, Norman, aged 24 and residing on Lowless Close, Pembroke, admitted to having consumed a significant amount of alcohol, including a liter of vodka, half a bottle of gin, and cans of lager. He claimed to have no memory of his actions but denied hitting the dog with the hammer. Norman refused to view photographs of the injuries inflicted on Simba, further emphasizing his remorse or denial.
Norman had previously pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, criminal damage, and possession of cannabis. Although he had no prior convictions, he had a record that included a court martial, as he served in the Army with 2 Para. His military service ended poorly, after he failed a drugs test, went absent without leave, and was discharged.
During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, the judge, Jeremy Jenkins, condemned Norman’s actions, describing them as a “gratuitous and cowardly attack on a defenceless animal.” The court noted that the maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering had recently increased from six months to five years, reflecting the seriousness of such offenses.
Norman’s defense argued that he had served in the Army, but his service was marred by disciplinary issues. The judge, considering the gravity of the crime, sentenced Norman to 10 months in prison—10 months for animal cruelty, one month for criminal damage, and one month for drug possession, all to run concurrently. He was also banned from owning any domestic animals for five years. However, the court chose not to impose a depravation order for Simba.
Today, Simba has been rehabilitated and is living happily with a loving family, sharing his home with another Labrador and a tiny terrier. The dog’s recovery has been supported by the care and compassion of those who have taken him in, ensuring he is now safe and loved after the traumatic ordeal inflicted by Norman.
According to court reports, Norman, a former soldier, inflicted multiple injuries on Simba, a Labrador, in his Pembroke flat. The attack involved stabbing the dog in the neck with a large kitchen knife and then repeatedly beating it with a heavy object, likely a hammer. The dog was discovered in a state of extreme distress, cowering and whimpering in the bathroom, bleeding heavily from multiple wounds.
Veterinary examinations revealed the extent of Simba’s injuries. The dog had suffered from extensive bruising and swelling above the right eye, with some areas of skin so severely hit that blood supply was cut off. A particularly severe puncture wound, measuring approximately 10 centimeters, was found in the shoulder and neck area, indicating a suspected stabbing. The injuries were so severe that Simba required sedation for treatment, and he was subsequently taken into the care of an animal charity to recover.
The court heard that on March 5 of that year, Norman was in contact with an ex-partner via phone, during which he expressed suicidal intentions. Concerned for his well-being, the woman, identified as Sian Cutter, went to Norman’s Pembroke Dock flat. Upon arrival, she found the apartment in a state of chaos, with clothes and objects strewn across the floor, windows smashed, curtains pulled down, and blood smears on the walls. The flat was also filthy, with dog feces and urine patches visible.
Inside, she discovered Simba lying in the bathroom, covered in blood and in a distressed condition. The dog had an open wound on the shoulder and neck, and was visibly suffering. She immediately contacted the police, who responded swiftly, arresting Norman at the scene. During the search of the flat, officers found a bloodstained knife with a 13-centimeter blade, a hammer, and a small amount of cannabis. The knife was covered in blood and black hair, indicating recent use.
In a subsequent interview, Norman, aged 24 and residing on Lowless Close, Pembroke, admitted to having consumed a significant amount of alcohol, including a liter of vodka, half a bottle of gin, and cans of lager. He claimed to have no memory of his actions but denied hitting the dog with the hammer. Norman refused to view photographs of the injuries inflicted on Simba, further emphasizing his remorse or denial.
Norman had previously pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, criminal damage, and possession of cannabis. Although he had no prior convictions, he had a record that included a court martial, as he served in the Army with 2 Para. His military service ended poorly, after he failed a drugs test, went absent without leave, and was discharged.
During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, the judge, Jeremy Jenkins, condemned Norman’s actions, describing them as a “gratuitous and cowardly attack on a defenceless animal.” The court noted that the maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering had recently increased from six months to five years, reflecting the seriousness of such offenses.
Norman’s defense argued that he had served in the Army, but his service was marred by disciplinary issues. The judge, considering the gravity of the crime, sentenced Norman to 10 months in prison—10 months for animal cruelty, one month for criminal damage, and one month for drug possession, all to run concurrently. He was also banned from owning any domestic animals for five years. However, the court chose not to impose a depravation order for Simba.
Today, Simba has been rehabilitated and is living happily with a loving family, sharing his home with another Labrador and a tiny terrier. The dog’s recovery has been supported by the care and compassion of those who have taken him in, ensuring he is now safe and loved after the traumatic ordeal inflicted by Norman.