PAUL RITCHIE OF DOLPHINTON SENTENCED OVER DOG ATTACK AND FIREARM INCIDENT IN WEST LINTON

Paul William Maciver Ritchie, born June 1986 and residing at Grange Cottage, Dolphinton, West Linton EH46 7HH, was convicted in 2022 of causing fatal injuries to a dog during a violent incident. Ritchie, known for running the property website Snapr UK, was involved in a disturbing altercation in which he brandished a paintball gun at a woman walking her dog with her four children, screaming abuse. He subsequently kicked her elderly Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Maya, which resulted in severe injuries leading to the dog being euthanized.

The woman, who has since moved away from Dolphinton, testified in court that she believed Ritchie was holding a real weapon and was stunned by the assault as she took her children on a Sunday morning walk. The incident prompted a significant armed police response. During proceedings, Ritchie admitted to culpably and recklessly discharging a paintball gun towards the woman and her children, and also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and assaulting two police officers.

Ritchie has a prior conviction; in June 2021, he was jailed for 12 months after sending emails described by a judge as “vile” to politicians, including threats involving shooting and decapitation. His targets included former House of Commons speaker John Bercow, ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, former home secretary Amber Rudd, and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford.

Sheriff Hughes deferred Ritchie’s sentencing until July 2022 to allow for background checks and a mental health assessment. Bail was maintained during this period.