NEIL COATES AND VIKKI HOYLAND FROM ARTHUR'S HILL JAILED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND DRUG DEALING IN NEWCASTLE

Neil Coates, born on August 4, 1971, and Vikki Hoyland, also known as Vikki Rafferty, born around 1984, both residents of Arthur’s Hill in Newcastle upon Tyne, have been convicted of serious animal neglect and drug-related offenses. Their recent sentencing follows a disturbing case where authorities uncovered the appalling conditions in which they kept three dogs, as well as their involvement in drug trafficking activities.

On February 6, 2022, RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws visited the property located on Kingsley Terrace in Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle, after receiving reports of animal cruelty. What she found was a scene of utter chaos and neglect: a bathroom that was utterly filthy, reeking of urine and faeces, with the floor covered from one side to the other. A pile of approximately 30 faeces was found next to the radiator, some of which appeared to have been there for some time, turning white with age. The faeces were spread across the floor and ingrained into the flooring, with paw prints visible in the mess, indicating the dogs had been walking through their own waste for an extended period.

Inside the room, four empty bowls were discovered, all of which had faeces stuck to their sides. The flooring was damaged in several places, with sections ripped up, further emphasizing the neglect. The three dogs—two Staffies named Sox and Nelson, and a French bulldog named Bella—were found in a dire state. Sox was so severely malnourished and suffering from health issues that humane euthanasia was deemed necessary. Nelson, who had developed pancreatitis and was also dangerously underweight, was similarly put to sleep after his condition failed to improve. Bella, despite suffering from a severe skin infection that caused hair loss and raw patches, responded well to treatment and was eventually rehomed to a loving family after spending time at Felledge Animal Centre.

All three animals had been living in squalid conditions, with inadequate access to food and veterinary care. Nelson’s ribs, hips, and spine were clearly visible, highlighting the extent of his malnutrition. The neglect was so severe that the dogs were unable to stand, and their suffering was evident. The inspector described the scene as one of chaos and filth, with the animals living amidst the chaos of their owners’ neglect.

Both Neil Coates and Vikki Hoyland pleaded guilty to two offences each under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Their sentences include 20 weeks in jail, to run concurrently with their existing sentences for drug dealing. They are also required to pay a victim surcharge of £128 each upon their release. No costs were awarded due to their current custody status. Additionally, both individuals are banned from keeping dogs for a period of ten years.

Their criminal history extends beyond animal cruelty. In October 2022, Coates and Hoyland, whose address was listed as Kingsley Terrace, Elswick, Newcastle, were sentenced to prison after a police operation uncovered a substantial drugs haul. The pair had fallen asleep in a car with the engine running and half a kilo of heroin in the footwell, which drew police attention. The officers found them under the influence of drugs, along with a batch of heroin valued at approximately £10,000, 21 grams of cocaine, a knife, and a baton.

This discovery in Nottingham led to a search of their Newcastle home, where an additional half kilo of heroin, worth over £10,000, was found stored in a safe. The police also seized £1,500 in cash and various weapons, including machetes, a crossbow, and a BB gun. Defense lawyer Tony Cornberg argued that Coates was a collector of weapons and that there was no evidence they had been used for violence. He also noted that the pair appeared to be involved in drug use and that they were vulnerable at the time, with Hoyland admitting to being a drug user.

Neil Coates was convicted of possessing heroin with intent to supply after a trial and also pleaded guilty to possessing the knife and baton found in the vehicle. He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison. Vikki Hoyland admitted to possessing cocaine and heroin with intent to supply and received a sentence of 40 months. Their criminal activities and drug trafficking history have been well documented, including a previous incident in September 2019, when Coates was evicted from a housing association property in the Kenton area of Newcastle due to anti-social behavior and drug dealing. Neighbors reported disturbances, discarded drug paraphernalia, and a heavily soiled communal area that cost £500 to clean.

These cases highlight a pattern of criminal behavior and neglect, with authorities taking firm action to address both the drug trade and animal cruelty associated with these individuals. Their sentences reflect the seriousness of their offenses and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such conduct in the Newcastle community.