JULIE CUTTING FROM NORWICH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG AND PRIOR OFFENSES

Julie Cutting, also known as Julie Muir and born in 1966, residing on Heath Road in Lyng, Norwich, was convicted of a disturbing act of animal cruelty that took place in the city. The incident involved her repeatedly kicking a dog, an act that drew significant legal attention and condemnation.

According to the prosecution, Victoria Bastock, Cutting was involved in an altercation at First Performance Exhaust in Norwich, where she was seen attempting to enter her vehicle with her dog. During this time, staff members at the establishment were preparing to close for the night. It was during this scene that Cutting's aggressive behavior escalated. She was observed chasing one of the employees around a vehicle, accompanied by loud swearing and threatening language.

Following this confrontation, Cutting proceeded to kick the dog multiple times—specifically, six to seven strikes directed at the animal’s side. This act of cruelty was witnessed and reported, leading to her arrest and subsequent court proceedings. The court heard that her actions were not isolated; she had a history of animal-related offenses. In 2018, she was convicted in her absence for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, as well as for using threatening or abusive language that was likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

Her criminal record also includes a theft in June 2017, where she stole £340 worth of wages from a man by damaging his outdoor letterbox to access the money. She was convicted of this theft in her absence as well. Additionally, she failed to comply with the conditions of a community order issued in May 2018, further complicating her legal situation.

During the court hearing, James Landells, representing the defense, explained that Cutting’s behavior during the incident at the Norwich garage was influenced by a psychotic episode. He described her mental health at the time as being in a state of chaos, exacerbated by the tragic death of her son and daughter-in-law in a car crash in October 2018. This personal tragedy, coupled with her mental health struggles, contributed to her erratic conduct.

Landells emphasized that since then, Cutting’s mental health has improved significantly. She has been adhering to her medication regimen, is no longer consuming alcohol, and has not missed court or probation appointments. Her current circumstances are described as more stable.

In light of her actions and history, the court sentenced Cutting to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months. She was also subjected to a three-month curfew and ordered to pay a total of £455 in compensation, costs, and charges. Furthermore, she was disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for five years, with this ban set to expire in August 2024. The judge’s decision reflects a serious stance on animal cruelty and her previous criminal behavior, while also acknowledging her efforts toward mental health recovery.