LIAM AITKEN FROM SKELMERSDALE BATTERS HEDGEHOG TO DEATH WITH BRICK IN MERSEYSIDE

Liam Aitken, a resident of Rose Crescent in Skelmersdale, was convicted in 2017 for a disturbing act of animal cruelty involving a hedgehog. The incident took place while Aitken was living in Wallasey, Merseyside, and it was witnessed by a neighbor who was horrified by his actions.

The neighbor, upon returning home from a late-night walk with their dog, saw Aitken battering the defenseless creature with a brick. Shocked by the brutality, the witness took immediate action by placing the lifeless hedgehog into a plastic bag and leaving a note along with the animal on Aitken’s car. This act of witnessing and reporting led to further investigation by the authorities.

Another neighbor, disturbed by the incident, reported Aitken to the RSPCA, which prompted an official inquiry into the matter. During questioning, Aitken admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the hedgehog by crushing it to death but was unable to provide a clear explanation for his actions. His behavior and the details of the incident were thoroughly examined in court.

Chris Murphy, representing the RSPCA as the prosecutor, recounted the details of the witness testimony. He explained that the neighbor was awakened by sounds of thuds during the night. The witness observed a man dressed in black, using a mobile phone as a flashlight to examine a mass on the ground. The man, later identified as Aitken, was seen picking up a brick and throwing it onto the hedgehog five or six times before walking away towards his house through the back gate.

When the animal was discovered, it was still warm but unresponsive. A post-mortem examination revealed that the hedgehog had died from blunt force trauma, with injuries including a fractured pelvis and broken legs. During police interviews, Aitken claimed he believed he had only thrown the brick three or four times and acknowledged that he had inflicted serious injuries.

In court, Aitken expressed remorse, stating he was truly sorry for his actions and could not explain why he had done it. His lawyer highlighted that Aitken had no prior history of harming animals and was suffering from depression at the time, having taken an overdose the week before and arguing with his partner. The lawyer emphasized that if Aitken had taken a different route that night, the tragic incident might not have occurred.

As part of his sentencing, Aitken received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, along with 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £835 in costs and to attend a six-month alcohol treatment program, reflecting the court’s recognition of his remorse and the severity of the crime.