MARCUS SARRE FROM LISBURN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND VIOLENCE INVOLVING PUPPY AND EX-PARTNER

Marcus John Sarre, born on June 1, 1994, and residing at Avonmore Park in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of disturbing acts of animal cruelty and violence against a former partner. The case drew significant attention due to the brutality involved and Sarre's troubled background.

On April 14, 2018, Sarre was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a 15-week-old crossbred husky and collie puppy named Lilo. The incident occurred after the puppy urinated on the kitchen floor, an act that provoked Sarre’s violent response. Witnesses reported hearing screams from the property, prompting neighbors to call the police. When officers arrived at Sarre’s residence, they discovered a gruesome scene: bloodstains on the hallway floor leading to the bathroom, where Lilo was found dead in the bathtub, surrounded by blood. The pathologist’s report confirmed that the cause of death was skull fractures inflicted during the attack.

Sarre, who admitted to being under the influence of alcohol at the time, confessed to kicking the puppy. During police interviews, he explained that he had let the dogs out after a brief absence. His older dog, Polo, had defecated on the kitchen floor, which Sarre shouted at loudly. This caused Lilo to urinate on the floor, and in a fit of rage, Sarre kicked her against a kitchen cupboard. Sarre appeared visibly upset during the interviews and claimed that Lilo was bleeding from the mouth and unresponsive when he found her. He attempted CPR in a desperate effort to save her, but unfortunately, it was futile.

Prosecutor Nicola Aurett highlighted that Sarre’s actions were particularly aggravated by the fact that he was on bail for an earlier assault at the time of the puppy’s death. The court was also informed of a prior incident on January 21, 2017, at an address in Lisburn, where police responded to a report of domestic violence. During that incident, Sarre’s ex-partner, who was the daughter of Sarre’s father, was found crying and bleeding from a swollen nose after Sarre reportedly head-butted her and kicked her multiple times following an argument while intoxicated.

Defense lawyer Damien Halloran acknowledged that Sarre’s behavior in both incidents was deeply troubling. He described Lilo’s death as “almost instantaneous” and characterized Sarre’s attempt at resuscitation as “futile.” Halloran described the act of violence as a “moment of madness,” emphasizing that Sarre was overwhelmed by remorse afterward, crying and distraught. He also noted that Sarre’s other dog, Polo, whom he had rehomed from a rescue center five years prior, was not involved in any cruelty and appeared unaffected.

It was revealed that Sarre has struggled with alcohol and drug abuse and has difficulty managing stress, especially when things do not go his way. The defense suggested that the court might consider community service or other measures rather than immediate imprisonment. However, the judge, Lynch, was not persuaded to show leniency. Sarre was sentenced to six months in prison for the killing of Lilo, with an additional four months for causing actual bodily harm to his ex-partner. The sentences are to be served consecutively, meaning Sarre will serve a total of ten months in custody.

Furthermore, Sarre was ordered to serve an 18-month supervised license period following his release. He was also banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his actions and the court’s stance on animal cruelty. The case has garnered media attention, including coverage by QRadio and the Belfast Telegraph, highlighting the tragic nature of the incidents and the consequences Sarre now faces.