HEBBURN ANIMAL CRUELTY: MELISSA MARSHALL AND TERENCE SUTTON'S HORRIFIC CASE REVEALED
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Hebburn Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Melissa Marshall and her partner Terence Sutton, both residents of Hebburn, have been found guilty of multiple welfare offences involving their pets. The case came to light after concerned members of the public reported the dire condition of animals at their home on Thames Road, prompting an investigation by the RSPCA.
Animal welfare inspectors were dispatched to the address on several occasions during May 2019, but initially, no one was available to answer the door. It was not until May 19 that Melissa Marshall opened her flat to Inspector Trevor Walker, allowing him inside to examine the animals. During this visit, Inspector Walker observed a severely emaciated tan greyhound bitch named Sheba. As he stroked her, he noticed blood on his hand, which was later traced to an injury on Sheba’s tail. The injury appeared to be old but had reopened, bleeding and causing her pain.
Marshall consented to the removal of Sheba, along with two other cats, Flash and Jaspar, all of whom were found to be underweight and suffering from neglect. However, her partner, Terence Sutton, remained seated during the inspection and voiced complaints about the report made to the RSPCA. Marshall initially refused permission to examine or remove any additional animals, but eventually, the inspector was allowed to take Sheba and the two cats for veterinary assessment.
Following the examination at a nearby veterinary clinic, it was confirmed that all three animals were in a state of severe malnutrition. Sheba’s old tail injury was still bleeding as she wagged her tail, indicating ongoing discomfort. The vet described Sheba as being in poor physical condition, with bones protruding and no visible body fat. She also suffered from a chronic skin condition caused by fleas, and her tail injury was consistent with injuries often seen in confined dogs with long tails, typically resulting from small space confinement or neglect.
The two cats, both aged eight, were similarly emaciated, with prominent bones and a significant loss of muscle mass. The animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre for rehabilitation. An independent veterinarian assessed Sheba and confirmed her poor health, noting that her injuries and skin condition indicated prolonged neglect. The tail injury, which required amputation, was estimated to have been present for at least two weeks, possibly up to two months, causing her ongoing suffering.
Despite the seizure of Sheba, Flash, and Jaspar, the RSPCA continued working with Marshall and Sutton to ensure the welfare of the remaining six cats still at their home. Following the court hearing, a deprivation order was issued, mandating that these cats also be placed in the charity’s care. Inspector Walker visited the property twice more before successfully seizing the other cats, who remain at Felledge, with hopes of rehoming them soon. Sheba, who has undergone tail amputation, is currently in foster care and is reported to be doing well.
Melissa Marshall and Terence Sutton were convicted of five animal welfare offences but failed to appear at their sentencing hearing. Warrants were subsequently issued for their arrest, and they were brought before the court the following day. The judge imposed a 12-month community order on each, requiring 150 hours of unpaid work, and ordered them to pay fines of £295 each. Additionally, both individuals received a ten-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in July 2031.
The case has highlighted the importance of animal welfare enforcement in Hebburn, with the RSPCA continuing efforts to rehome the remaining animals and ensure justice for the neglected pets.
Animal welfare inspectors were dispatched to the address on several occasions during May 2019, but initially, no one was available to answer the door. It was not until May 19 that Melissa Marshall opened her flat to Inspector Trevor Walker, allowing him inside to examine the animals. During this visit, Inspector Walker observed a severely emaciated tan greyhound bitch named Sheba. As he stroked her, he noticed blood on his hand, which was later traced to an injury on Sheba’s tail. The injury appeared to be old but had reopened, bleeding and causing her pain.
Marshall consented to the removal of Sheba, along with two other cats, Flash and Jaspar, all of whom were found to be underweight and suffering from neglect. However, her partner, Terence Sutton, remained seated during the inspection and voiced complaints about the report made to the RSPCA. Marshall initially refused permission to examine or remove any additional animals, but eventually, the inspector was allowed to take Sheba and the two cats for veterinary assessment.
Following the examination at a nearby veterinary clinic, it was confirmed that all three animals were in a state of severe malnutrition. Sheba’s old tail injury was still bleeding as she wagged her tail, indicating ongoing discomfort. The vet described Sheba as being in poor physical condition, with bones protruding and no visible body fat. She also suffered from a chronic skin condition caused by fleas, and her tail injury was consistent with injuries often seen in confined dogs with long tails, typically resulting from small space confinement or neglect.
The two cats, both aged eight, were similarly emaciated, with prominent bones and a significant loss of muscle mass. The animals were taken into the care of the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre for rehabilitation. An independent veterinarian assessed Sheba and confirmed her poor health, noting that her injuries and skin condition indicated prolonged neglect. The tail injury, which required amputation, was estimated to have been present for at least two weeks, possibly up to two months, causing her ongoing suffering.
Despite the seizure of Sheba, Flash, and Jaspar, the RSPCA continued working with Marshall and Sutton to ensure the welfare of the remaining six cats still at their home. Following the court hearing, a deprivation order was issued, mandating that these cats also be placed in the charity’s care. Inspector Walker visited the property twice more before successfully seizing the other cats, who remain at Felledge, with hopes of rehoming them soon. Sheba, who has undergone tail amputation, is currently in foster care and is reported to be doing well.
Melissa Marshall and Terence Sutton were convicted of five animal welfare offences but failed to appear at their sentencing hearing. Warrants were subsequently issued for their arrest, and they were brought before the court the following day. The judge imposed a 12-month community order on each, requiring 150 hours of unpaid work, and ordered them to pay fines of £295 each. Additionally, both individuals received a ten-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in July 2031.
The case has highlighted the importance of animal welfare enforcement in Hebburn, with the RSPCA continuing efforts to rehome the remaining animals and ensure justice for the neglected pets.