PAUL ROBERTS OF WYTHENSHAWE STARVES FAMILY DOG TO DEATH IN HORRIFIC CASE

Paul James Roberts, also known by aliases Paul Wood and Paul Bennett, was born around 1981 and resides on Broadoak Road in Wythenshawe, Manchester. His case has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, as it emerged that he deliberately starved his loyal family dog over a period of several weeks, leading to the animal's tragic death.

Roberts, who owns a business called Revolution Custom Landscapes specializing in hard landscaping, faced serious criminal charges after the RSPCA took action following the death of his pet. He pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The charges specifically related to his failure to provide adequate nutrition for his eight-year-old dog, named Delboy, and his neglect in investigating and addressing the dog's deteriorating condition and weight loss.

Delboy was a cherished member of Roberts' family, having been owned by him since he was a puppy. The dog’s tragic end came after he was found in a severely emaciated state, weighing only 27.1 pounds at the time of his death. The Manchester Evening News reports that photographs, which have not been published due to their distressing nature, clearly showed the extent of Delboy’s suffering. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was starvation.

The incident came to light on February 22, 2022, when Delboy was taken to a veterinary practice after being collected from Roberts’ home by an acquaintance who knew the defendant. The person reported that the dog had been starved and was in a poor condition. Sadly, Delboy died overnight before he could be examined by a veterinarian. The RSPCA launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.

During court proceedings, a veterinarian provided evidence describing the dog’s physical state as emotionally distressing, noting that the condition of Delboy was upsetting to many of the staff present. The RSPCA emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating that the images of Delboy’s emaciation were deeply distressing and indicative of prolonged and woeful neglect.

Following the case, the RSPCA issued a stark warning, urging pet owners who are struggling to care for their animals to seek help and advice promptly. They condemned the neglect that led to Delboy’s suffering, emphasizing that allowing a pet to deteriorate to such an extent is entirely unacceptable.

In sentencing, Paul Roberts received a 21-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, he was subjected to a four-month curfew and disqualified from owning any animals for ten years, a ban that will last until November 2033. The case has sparked widespread discussion about animal cruelty and the importance of responsible pet ownership in the Wythenshawe area and beyond.

It is also noteworthy that Roberts maintains an active presence on TikTok, where he promotes his landscaping business under the usernames goofystyle1 and revolutioncustom. The latter account is currently deactivated. His business, Revolution Custom Landscapes Ltd, offers services such as flagging, fencing, block paving, turfing, pressure cleaning, and regrouting, although there is no official record of this company on Companies House. The case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals.