PAUL WILCOCK'S BRUTAL DOG ATTACK IN ST HELENS LEADS TO PRISON SENTENCE AND LIFETIME BAN

Paul Anthony Wilcock, born on December 12, 1966, who was previously residing in Latchford, Warrington, and as of April 2020 had moved to Churchfields, Clock Face, in St Helens with the postcode WA9 4GL, was convicted of a heinous act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and drew widespread condemnation.

Wilcock was found responsible for the severe beating and subsequent death of a small Jack Russell terrier named Molly. The attack was so ferocious that it left the walls and floor of the scene covered in blood, illustrating the brutality of the assault. The incident took place inside the hallway of his brother Kevin Hickman’s residence, where Wilcock had been visiting.

According to court proceedings, Wilcock and Hickman, who had been drinking together, were engaged in a discussion about their mother’s recent death. During this emotionally charged conversation, a physical altercation broke out between the two men. It was during this confrontation that Molly, who was present in the house, began to bark, which appeared to trigger Wilcock’s violent outburst. Witnesses reported that Wilcock then launched a relentless attack on the dog, kicking her multiple times in a fit of rage.

Police officers responding to the scene described a disturbing sight: Molly was lying motionless in the hallway, surrounded by a large pool of blood. An officer also observed Wilcock swaying and struggling to maintain his balance, indicating possible intoxication or disorientation. Wilcock initially claimed that Molly was alive and well when he left the property, attempting to deny any wrongdoing. However, forensic analysis of bloodstains found on his clothing and shoes revealed a 100% match with Molly’s DNA, effectively disproving his statement.

Faced with the evidence, Wilcock admitted to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. These charges included causing unnecessary suffering to Molly and failing to protect her from pain, suffering, and injury. The post-mortem examination of Molly’s body revealed multiple skull fractures, bruised lungs, and a windpipe filled with blood, confirming the severity of her injuries and the brutality of the attack.

Prosecutor Tom Stock emphasized that Wilcock’s actions were unprovoked and malicious. He stated, “The defendant caused Molly to suffer by kicking and striking the dog repeatedly in an unprovoked and sustained attack. The inspector noticed blood dripping and smeared on the walls. The dog was a well-natured animal and showed no signs of aggression. She died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head, which would have caused immense suffering – it was a brutal attack.”

Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes expressed his deep distress over the case. He recounted the scene of Molly lying motionless in a pool of blood, describing it as an unforgettable and tragic sight. Inspector Joynes highlighted the importance of justice for animals and praised the efforts that led to Wilcock’s conviction. He revealed that forensic tests on Wilcock’s seized clothing and shoes confirmed the presence of blood matching Molly’s DNA in six different areas, further establishing his guilt.

Inspector Joynes also reflected on the emotional toll of the case, stating, “I struggle to comprehend the amount of pain and suffering Molly must have been subjected to. It still upsets me, almost a year later, to think about it. We are completely zero-tolerance on this sort of abhorrent behaviour, and this case just goes to show that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that animal abusers are brought before the courts to answer for their actions.”

Wilcock was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, a reduction from the original 26 weeks due to his early guilty plea. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £400 in costs and was banned from keeping animals for life. The court made it clear that Wilcock could not appeal to have this lifetime ban lifted, underscoring the severity of his crime and the community’s stance against animal cruelty.