HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY BY PARIS CARDING AND GRANT LEIGH IN WYTHENSHAWE AND HYDE

In March 2022, a disturbing case of animal cruelty emerged involving Paris Carding and Grant Leigh, both residents of the Hyde and Wythenshawe areas. The incident centered around the heinous abuse of wild animals, including badgers and foxes, carried out during what was described as 'abhorrent family days out.'

Paris Carding, aged 28 and living on Fawley Grove in Wythenshawe, was a former primary school teaching assistant. She was involved in a series of disturbing activities that included encouraging a young child to participate in violent acts against wildlife. The investigation uncovered 32 video clips that depicted Carding taunting and encouraging a two-year-old girl to attack animals with a spade, including a particularly graphic scene where a badger was to be 'bashed' in the head.

Her then-boyfriend, Grant Leigh, aged 30 and also residing at the same address, was shown teaching the child how to brutally 'smash' a badger with a spade. The footage was described by authorities as 'graphic and perverse animal cruelty at its worst,' highlighting the severity of the offenses. The videos also included scenes of dogs kept by the couple, as well as Leigh’s father, Grant Leigh Snr, aged 52, engaging in savage attacks on badgers and foxes.

The horrific content was discovered after a wildlife crime officer from the police received a tip-off. The investigation revealed that Leigh Snr, who was under a suspended sentence at the time, operated as an administrator of a private Facebook group called 'The Real Terrier Men and Lurcher Men.' In this group, he boasted about taking part in badger baiting as a way to celebrate his recent release from prison, further implicating him in illegal hunting activities.

On October 26, police and RSPCA officers executed coordinated raids on properties linked to the suspects. During these raids, they found six dogs living in deplorable conditions at Leigh Snr’s residence on Marler Road in Hyde, and one dog at Carding’s home. All the animals showed injuries consistent with hunting and baiting activities. Leigh Jnr’s phone was seized, and investigators uncovered messages and videos that provided concrete evidence of the crimes, leading to multiple charges.

Disturbing footage shown in court included scenes of three dogs attacking a fox, with a child heard saying, “I want to bash it again.” Another video depicted Leigh Jnr assisting the young girl in 'bashing' a badger with a shovel. Carding was also recorded encouraging the child, saying, ‘they love it, bash! Bash!’ according to prosecutors. Despite initially denying her involvement, a photograph was presented showing Leigh Jnr holding a badly injured fox, which was described as a 'trophy' of their cruelty.

Prosecutor Hazel Stevens emphasized the heinous nature of the acts, stating, “You can clearly hear her (Carding) on the film and the enjoyment and encouragement in those parts of the film. Saying ‘bash, bash’ and ‘do you love it’ (to the child).” She further explained that Carding filmed and encouraged the infliction of death and serious injury on wild animals, causing significant stress and suffering.

Carding claimed she was not present during the incidents, but evidence contradicted her denial. The court was shown the footage, which demonstrated her active participation and encouragement. Prosecutors highlighted her apparent lack of remorse and her apparent pleasure in tormenting animals, despite claiming to dislike dogs, which they argued might explain her twisted enjoyment.

Leigh Snr attempted to justify the illegal activities by claiming they were aimed at reducing the badger population legally. However, the prosecution dismissed this as a cover-up for vile activities driven by the thrill of hunting and animal butchery. The investigation costs amounted to over £30,000, covering police and RSPCA efforts.

During the court proceedings, Leigh Jnr appeared via video link from HMP Altcourse, where he was serving time for a separate offence. He was scheduled for release in August 2023. Last month, Carding was found guilty of five cruelty charges under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, while Leigh Snr was convicted of two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Leigh Jnr admitted to seven cruelty offences.

District Judge Bernard Begley sentenced Carding to 22 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and Leigh Snr received a 12-week suspended sentence, also for 12 months. Both were ordered to pay £1,000 in costs. Leigh Jnr was handed a 26-week prison sentence, which will be added to his existing sentence for other crimes. The judge condemned the acts, stating, “It’s impossible to find any redeeming features to this case. It is graphic and perverse cruelty at its worst. There were children present, and you encouraged them to inflict injury on wild animals.”

All defendants were permanently banned from owning animals for life, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to combat animal cruelty and illegal hunting activities in the Hyde and Wythenshawe areas.